Henry Prince (chief) facts for kids

Henry Prince (born around 1819 – June 7, 1899), also known by his birth names Pa-bat-or-kok-or-sis or Mis-koo-kenew (which means 'Red Eagle'), was an important Saulteaux chief. He led the Peguis First Nation, a First Nations community in what is now Manitoba, Canada.

Early Life and Family

Henry Prince was born near Netley Creek, a small river that flows into the Red River of the North. This was about 11 kilometers (7 miles) from where St. Peter's Church would later be built. His father was Chief Peguis, a well-known leader, and his mother was Victoria.

Henry Prince went to school at a small one-room schoolhouse. This school was part of St. Peter's Church. In 1837, he was baptized and given the name Henry Prince. Three years later, in 1840, he married Sarah Badger. They had at least six children together.

In 1864, after his father Chief Peguis passed away, Henry Prince became the new leader. He took over as Chief of the St. Peter's Indian Band. This band later became known as the Peguis First Nation.

Leading His People

As Chief, Henry Prince played a role in important events in Canadian history.

During the Red River Rebellion

In 1869, a group of Métis people, led by Louis Riel, took control of Upper Fort Garry. This event was part of the Red River Rebellion. Louis Riel invited English-speaking settlers and First Nations leaders to a meeting. He wanted them to support his actions.

Chief Henry Prince represented the St. Peter's community at these meetings. He made it clear that he did not agree with the Métis' actions. He refused to join Louis Riel's side. When there were rumors that the Métis might attack Lower Fort Garry, Chief Prince offered help to the Canadian government officials who were staying there.

Signing Treaty 1

After the Red River Rebellion ended in 1870, Chief Henry Prince led a large group to meet with Adams George Archibald. Archibald was the first Lieutenant-Governor of the new Province of Manitoba. Chief Prince and his people wanted to sign a treaty. They also wanted payment for lands that had been given to Lord Selkirk many years before.

Talks began in July 1871 at Lower Fort Garry. Wemyss Mackenzie Simpson represented the government. Chief Henry Prince and other First Nations leaders worked together. On August 3, 1871, Treaty 1 was signed. This treaty was an agreement between several First Nations and the Canadian government.

Challenges as Chief

Being a chief was not always easy. In 1877, some members of the band asked for Chief Henry Prince to be removed from his position. They made claims about his leadership and how he managed band money. An official called the local Indian Agent looked into these claims. The agent decided that the claims were likely true. However, the agent also felt it would be difficult to remove the chief at that time. So, the claims were dismissed, and Chief Prince received a warning.

Later that year, in November 1877, Chief Henry Prince spoke to David Mills, who was the Interior Minister. Chief Prince complained about how First Nations people were being treated. He also felt that the Acting Indian Commissioner, Joseph Provencher, was not giving enough support. After an investigation, Provencher was removed from his job in December 1877. This was due to claims of fraud related to the sale of First Nations lands. Henry Prince was also involved in some of these land sales.

Later Years

Henry Prince continued to serve as Chief of the Peguis First Nation until 1882. At that time, William Prince was elected as chief. Henry Prince later served two more terms as chief. He was chief from 1888 to 1890, and again from 1897 to 1899.

Henry Prince passed away on June 7, 1899. He was buried the next day in St. Peter's cemetery. His grave does not have a marker.