Peguis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peguis
|
|
|---|---|
Peguis monument at Kildonan Park, Winnipeg. A conventional representation, since no portrait was made in life.
|
|
| Born | c. 1774 |
| Died | September 28, 1864 |
| Other names |
|
| Title | Chief |
| Relatives | Tommy Prince (great-grandson) |
Peguis (born around 1774, died September 28, 1864) was a very important leader, known as a chief, of the Saulteaux First Nation. He led his people from the Great Lakes area to what is now southern Manitoba in the 1790s.
In 1817, Chief Peguis signed the first treaty with Lord Selkirk. This agreement gave land along the Red River to the Selkirk settlers. Peguis and his people were very helpful to both the Hudson's Bay Company and the new settlers. Without his help, the Selkirk settlers might not have survived. In 1840, he became one of the first First Nations leaders in the west to become a Christian. He was given the name William King, and his children later adopted the surname "Prince." By the 1850s, he became worried about new European settlers moving onto traditional lands without permission. He was sometimes called Cut Nose because his nose was injured in a fight in 1802.
His name is honored today in many ways. These include the Peguis First Nation, Chief Peguis Trail in Winnipeg, and various organizations and places in Manitoba.
Who Was Chief Peguis?
Chief Peguis was a respected leader of the Saulteaux people. He was born around 1774. He led his community on a long journey. They moved from the Great Lakes region. They settled near the Red River in what is now Manitoba. This happened in the late 1700s.
He was sometimes known as "Cut Nose." This nickname came from an injury. He received it during a fight in 1802. Later in his life, in 1840, he chose to become a Christian. He was given the name William King. His children then took the last name "Prince."
Helping New Settlers
Chief Peguis played a big part in the early history of Manitoba. He helped the Hudson's Bay Company. This was a very large fur trading business. He also offered crucial help to the Selkirk settlers. These were European families who came to live in the Red River area.
In 1817, Peguis signed an important agreement. This was the first treaty with Lord Selkirk. It allowed the settlers to use land along the Red River. Without the help from Peguis and his people, the settlers might have faced starvation. They provided food and guidance.
A Leader's Legacy
Chief Peguis was a strong advocate for his people. He worked to protect their traditional lands. By the 1850s, he grew concerned. More European settlers were moving onto their lands. They did so without permission.
Today, Chief Peguis is remembered as a significant historical figure. His name lives on in many places. The Peguis First Nation is named after him. There is also the Chief Peguis Trail in Winnipeg. Many other groups and places in Manitoba also carry his name.
See Also
- Tommy Prince, his great-grandson, a Canadian hero from World War II
- William Prince, his descendant, a modern Canadian singer-songwriter
