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Tepastenam facts for kids

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Tepastenam, also known as Donald William Sinclair Ross, was an important leader of the Pimicikamak Indigenous people. He lived in the 1800s. In the Cree language, a leader like him is called a kisayman. Some stories say he was also a spiritual leader. He was known for his strong beliefs before he was baptized in 1875.

Tepastenam's Life Story

His Early Life

Tepastenam's family spent their winters near a place called "John Scott's Lake." Today, we know this as Setting Lake, located on the Grass River. His family traded goods at Nelson House for many years. Later, they started trading at Norway House.

In 1861, some of his children and grandchildren were baptized at a place called Rossville. Tepastenam himself was baptized in 1875. He was given the name Donald William Sinclair Ross. This name honored two important leaders from the Hudson's Bay Company.

A Respected Leader

Tepastenam was recognized as a "chief" in the 1881 records of the Cross Lake Methodist church. His wife, May, was also called a "chiefess." He was listed as a chief on the Canadian government's pay list starting in 1876. However, he was a respected leader of the Pimicikamak people even before they signed a treaty with the government.

Signing Treaty 5

What is a Treaty?

A treaty is a formal agreement between different groups of people or nations. In Canada, treaties were signed between the government and Indigenous peoples. These agreements often involved land and rights.

Tepastenam's Role in Treaty 5

Tepastenam played a very important role in signing Treaty 5. On September 24, 1875, he was the main person to sign the treaty for the Pimicikamak people. This signing happened in Norway House.

His signature, marked with an "X," was very significant. It granted certain rights to the Canadian government, also known as the Crown. The area of land involved was in the Northwest Territories. It was twice the size of the Province of Manitoba at that time.

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