Big Bear: Life Of A Historical Cree Leader
Big Bear, or Mistahi-maskwa in Cree, was a prominent leader of the Plains Cree people during the 19th century. His life and legacy are marked by his staunch advocacy for his people, his resistance against the encroachment of the Canadian government, and his tragic fall from power. Understanding Big Bear's story requires delving into the historical context of the treaties, the decline of the buffalo, and the cultural clashes that defined this period in Canadian history.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Big Bear's early life provides crucial context to his later leadership. Born around 1825 near present-day Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan, he grew up in a traditional Cree society, deeply connected to the land and its resources. The Cree were nomadic people, relying on the buffalo for sustenance, clothing, and shelter. Big Bear's upbringing instilled in him a profound respect for his people's way of life and a strong sense of identity. His early experiences shaped his worldview and laid the foundation for his future role as a leader and defender of Cree rights.
As a young man, Big Bear distinguished himself as a skilled hunter and warrior. He participated in raids and battles against rival tribes, earning respect for his bravery and strategic acumen. However, it was his growing wisdom and diplomatic skills that truly set him apart. Big Bear possessed a natural charisma and a gift for oratory, which he used to unite different bands of Cree people. His ability to articulate the concerns and aspirations of his people made him a powerful voice within the Cree Nation.
Big Bear's rise to prominence coincided with a period of significant upheaval in the Canadian West. The fur trade, which had long been a central part of the region's economy, was declining, and the buffalo, the lifeblood of the Plains Cree, were becoming scarce. European settlers were pushing westward, encroaching on Indigenous lands and disrupting traditional ways of life. These changes created a climate of anxiety and uncertainty among the Cree, and they looked to leaders like Big Bear for guidance. Big Bear recognized the threats facing his people and dedicated himself to protecting their rights and preserving their culture.
By the 1870s, Big Bear had emerged as one of the most influential Cree leaders on the plains. He commanded a large following of warriors and their families, and his opinions carried considerable weight in intertribal councils. He was known for his strong will, his unwavering commitment to his people, and his skepticism towards the Canadian government's treaty offers. His reputation as a defender of Cree interests made him a formidable figure in the eyes of both his own people and the Canadian authorities. Big Bear's early life and experiences shaped him into a leader who was deeply committed to his people and their way of life. His rise to prominence occurred during a time of great change and upheaval in the Canadian West, and he emerged as a powerful voice for the Cree people.
Treaty 6 and Resistance
The signing of Treaty 6 in 1876 marked a critical turning point in Big Bear's life and in the history of the Plains Cree. The Canadian government, eager to secure control over the vast resources of the West and to facilitate settlement, sought to negotiate treaties with Indigenous peoples. Treaty 6, which covered a large swath of territory in present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan, promised the Cree various benefits, including land reserves, agricultural assistance, and hunting and fishing rights. However, many Cree leaders, including Big Bear, were wary of the government's intentions and concerned about the long-term implications of the treaty. Big Bear, in particular, recognized the potential for the treaty to undermine Cree sovereignty and to force his people into a way of life that was alien to them.
Big Bear's initial refusal to sign Treaty 6 stemmed from his deep-seated distrust of the Canadian government and his commitment to protecting the interests of his people. He had witnessed the devastating effects of earlier treaties on other Indigenous groups, and he feared that Treaty 6 would lead to similar outcomes for the Cree. He believed that the treaty terms were unfair and inadequate, and he worried that the government would not honor its promises. Big Bear also recognized the importance of maintaining the Cree's traditional way of life, which was centered on the buffalo hunt. He feared that the treaty would restrict their hunting rights and force them to adopt agriculture, a way of life that was ill-suited to the prairie environment.
For several years, Big Bear resisted pressure from the Canadian government and other Cree leaders to sign Treaty 6. He traveled extensively, meeting with other chiefs and bands, and urging them to stand firm against the government's demands. He sought to build a united front among the Cree and other Indigenous groups, in order to negotiate more favorable terms with the government. Big Bear's resistance earned him the respect of many Indigenous people, but it also made him a target of suspicion and hostility from Canadian officials. They viewed him as an obstacle to their plans for the West and sought to undermine his influence.
Despite his efforts, Big Bear was eventually compelled to sign Treaty 6 in 1882. The buffalo herds, which had been dwindling for years, were on the verge of extinction, and the Cree were facing starvation. The Canadian government, meanwhile, was withholding rations and other assistance from those who had not signed the treaty. Faced with the desperate plight of his people, Big Bear reluctantly agreed to adhere to the treaty, hoping that it would at least provide some measure of security. His decision to sign the treaty was a pragmatic one, born out of necessity, but it did not diminish his commitment to defending Cree rights. Even after signing the treaty, Big Bear continued to advocate for his people and to resist government policies that he believed were unjust. He sought to negotiate better terms for the Cree, and he challenged the government's interpretation of the treaty. His resistance continued to make him a thorn in the side of Canadian authorities, who saw him as a troublemaker and a threat to their authority. Big Bear's resistance to Treaty 6 and his subsequent advocacy for Cree rights demonstrate his unwavering commitment to his people and his determination to preserve their way of life in the face of immense pressure.
The 1885 Northwest Rebellion and its Aftermath
The Northwest Rebellion of 1885 was a pivotal event in Canadian history, and it had a profound impact on Big Bear and his people. The rebellion, led by Métis leader Louis Riel, was sparked by grievances over land rights, government policies, and the erosion of Indigenous cultures. While Big Bear himself did not initiate or lead the rebellion, his involvement in the events that unfolded had tragic consequences for him and his band.
Big Bear's relationship with the rebellion was complex and nuanced. He shared many of the grievances that fueled the uprising, including concerns about the government's failure to honor treaty promises, the scarcity of food and resources, and the encroachment of settlers on Indigenous lands. However, Big Bear was also a pragmatist who understood the risks of armed conflict with the Canadian government. He initially sought to avoid direct involvement in the rebellion, hoping to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Despite his efforts to remain neutral, Big Bear and his band were drawn into the conflict as the rebellion spread. Some of his warriors, frustrated by the government's inaction and inspired by Riel's call to arms, participated in raids and skirmishes against settlers and government forces. The most significant of these events was the Frog Lake Massacre, in which a group of Cree warriors killed nine settlers and government officials. While Big Bear was present at Frog Lake, his role in the massacre remains a subject of debate among historians. Some argue that he tried to prevent the killings, while others contend that he was unable or unwilling to control his warriors.
Regardless of his precise role in the Frog Lake Massacre, the event had devastating consequences for Big Bear and his people. The Canadian government, determined to crush the rebellion and assert its authority, launched a large-scale military campaign against the Métis and their Indigenous allies. Big Bear and his band were forced to flee, evading government forces for several months. They faced starvation, exposure, and constant harassment, and their once-proud community was scattered and demoralized.
In July 1885, Big Bear surrendered to government forces, hoping to spare his people further suffering. He was put on trial for treason and convicted, despite the lack of clear evidence linking him to the Frog Lake Massacre. Big Bear was sentenced to three years in prison, a harsh punishment for a man who had dedicated his life to advocating for his people. His imprisonment marked a tragic end to his leadership and a devastating blow to the Cree Nation.
Big Bear's imprisonment took a heavy toll on his health and spirit. He was released from prison in 1887, but he was a broken man. He died a year later, at the age of 63, his dreams of a better future for his people shattered. The Northwest Rebellion and its aftermath had a profound and lasting impact on Big Bear and the Cree Nation. The rebellion led to the suppression of Indigenous rights, the erosion of their traditional way of life, and the imprisonment and exile of many leaders. Big Bear's story serves as a powerful reminder of the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada and the importance of reconciliation and healing.
Legacy and Significance
Big Bear's legacy extends far beyond his lifetime, and he remains a significant figure in Canadian history and in the collective memory of the Cree people. His life and leadership serve as an inspiration to those who strive for justice, equality, and the preservation of Indigenous cultures. Despite the tragic circumstances of his later years, Big Bear is remembered as a powerful advocate for his people and a staunch defender of their rights.
One of the most enduring aspects of Big Bear's legacy is his resistance to the Canadian government's treaty policies. He recognized the potential for treaties to undermine Indigenous sovereignty and to erode their traditional way of life. His skepticism towards Treaty 6 and his efforts to negotiate more favorable terms for his people demonstrate his commitment to protecting Cree interests. Big Bear's resistance, while ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the loss of Indigenous lands and autonomy, helped to shape the discourse surrounding treaty rights and the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.
Big Bear's role in the 1885 Northwest Rebellion is a complex and controversial topic, but it is an important part of his legacy. While he did not initiate or lead the rebellion, his involvement in the events that unfolded highlights the grievances and frustrations that fueled the uprising. Big Bear's efforts to avoid armed conflict and to negotiate a peaceful resolution demonstrate his commitment to the well-being of his people. However, the tragic events at Frog Lake and the subsequent government crackdown had devastating consequences for Big Bear and the Cree Nation.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of Big Bear's importance in Canadian history and a renewed effort to understand his perspective. Historians and scholars have re-examined his life and legacy, challenging earlier narratives that portrayed him as a radical or a troublemaker. They have emphasized his commitment to peace, his advocacy for his people, and his efforts to preserve Cree culture and traditions. Big Bear's story is now being taught in schools and universities across Canada, and he is increasingly recognized as a symbol of Indigenous resistance and resilience.
Big Bear's legacy also extends to the realm of art and literature. His life has been the subject of numerous books, plays, and films, which have helped to bring his story to a wider audience. These artistic representations of Big Bear's life have played an important role in shaping public perceptions of him and in promoting a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and culture. Big Bear's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of his leadership and the importance of remembering and honoring the stories of Indigenous peoples in Canada. His life serves as a reminder of the challenges and injustices they have faced, and it inspires hope for a future of reconciliation and respect.
Big Bear's story is a poignant reminder of the complexities and tragedies that shaped the history of Indigenous-Canadian relations. His unwavering commitment to his people, his resistance against oppressive policies, and his tragic downfall serve as a powerful lesson in the importance of understanding and respecting Indigenous perspectives. By learning about leaders like Big Bear, we can move towards a more just and equitable future for all.