Mistahimaskwa (Big Bear)
The great Cree Chief, Mistahimaskwa, was the last Chief to reluctantly sign the infamous numbered treaties that confined aboriginals to reservations. He held out because he accurately foresaw the consequences of that policy. Changes brought by the railway and settlement in the west tragically destroyed the way of life of the First Peoples.
Mistahimaskwa, known for his band’s participation in the North-West Rebellion, resisted the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876 knowing that the result would not be good for his people, but he finally relented when his people were starving. See his story in the videos below
