Big Bear
Article Contents
Introduction & Background
Why is everyone talking about Big Bear? From its origins to the latest developments, we unpack the story behind the trend.
Big Bear, also known as Mistahi-maskwa (Cree: ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃᒪᐢᑿ; c. 1825 – 17 January 1888), was a powerful and popular Cree chief who played many pivotal roles in Canadian history. He was appointed to chief of his band at the age of 40 upon the death of his father, Black Powder. Big Bear is most notable for his involvement in Treaty 6 and the 1885 North-West Rebellion; he was one of the few chief leaders who objected to the signing of the treaty with the Canadian government. He felt that signing the treaty would ultimately have devastating effects on his nation as well as other Indigenous nations.
Why Is Big Bear Trending Now?
Several factors have contributed to the current surge in interest around Big Bear. Our analysis shows that recent developments have significantly increased public awareness and engagement with this topic, placing it firmly in the trending category.
The trend data indicates a 🧐 steady attention (33/100) level of interest, suggesting that Big Bear has captured substantial public attention and is likely to remain relevant in ongoing conversations.
Key Analysis & Context
Early life
Big Bear (Mistahi-maskwa, ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃᒪᐢᑿ in syllabics) was born in 1824 in Jackfish Lake, near the future site of Battleford. His father, Muckitoo (otherwise known as Black Powder), was a minor chief of a tribe of 80 Plains Cree-Saulteaux people who were deemed to be "true nomadic hunters". Little is known about Big Bear's mother.
Leadership
Before becoming a great leader, Big Bear became a great warrior, taking warriors under his father's command on missions that he described as "haunting the Blackfoot". Upon the death of his father Black Powder in the winter of 1864, his Band with over 100 members needed a chief. Big Bear was 40 years old and was the obvious choice. He would be the next chief.
Historical context
The Western Plains Indigenous People underwent a cultural, environmental and structural change starting in the mid-1870s and continuing into the late 1800s. Canada was attempting to cultivate the land that the Indigenous population occupied for European settlers.
Conflict with other Indigenous People
To be a Scrub Plains Cree Indigenous man it was an expectation to be an accomplished hunter and warrior, Big Bear was no exception to the rule. Big Bear was known to be a strong warrior and was often, as an adult, called upon to defend the community.
Treaty 6
As the 1870s began, Big Bear and his tribe had reached the high point of development for their band. It started to become more and more apparent that these conditions would not remain forever. Disease had begun to ravage his people and the declining numbers of buffalo threatened their food source and economy.
North-West Rebellion
The North-West Rebellion was a five-month revolt in 1885 against the Canadian government that was mainly fought by the Métis and their First Nations allies due to rising fear, insecurity, and a wave of white settlers causing rapid changes on the Prairie West.
Life after Treaty 6 and the Trial of Big Bear
Big Bear had resisted signing Treaty 6 for four years. With food supplies running low and his people facing starvation, he was forced to sign the Treaty. After signing the Treaty, Big Bear and his people could not decide where their reserve would be. Though they did not want to live on a reserve, in order to receive food rations from the government a location needed to be decided on.
Death
While imprisoned, Big Bear converted to Christianity. He became ill and was eventually released in February 1887 after serving approximately half of his prison term. He went to live on the Little Pine reserve. His failing health resulted in his death soon after, on January 17, 1888, at 62 years of age.
Legacy
Big Bear's legacy continues to be prominent long after his death. To many, he is honoured as a powerful Cree Chief who advocated for Indigenous rights and fought against socio-economic injustices that the Canadian government brought upon his people. He was chosen and followed by his followers because of his wisdom.
Further reading
Blair Stonechild and Bill Waiser. Loyal Till Death: Indians and the North-West Rebellion (1997) Rudy Wiebe, The Temptations of Big Bear, Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1995. ISBN 0-7710-3454-7
External links
Mistahimaskwa (Big Bear) Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
📰 Latest Developments & News Updates
Bricked up: Could your smart home device stop working?
This recent development highlights the ongoing relevance of Big Bear in current events and demonstrates why this subject continues to capture public attention.
Bricked up: Could your smart home device stop working?
This recent development highlights the ongoing relevance of Big Bear in current events and demonstrates why this subject continues to capture public attention.
BYU HC Kalani Sitake has the perfect celebration for Pop-Tart Bowl win
This recent development highlights the ongoing relevance of Big Bear in current events and demonstrates why this subject continues to capture public attention.
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