38 Facts About Big Bear

Big Bear, known as, was a powerful and popular Cree chief who played many pivotal roles in Canadian history.

Big Bear was appointed to chief of his band at the age of 40 upon the death of his father, Black Powder, under his father's harmonious and inclusive rule which directly impacted his own leadership.

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.

Big Bear felt that signing the treaty would ultimately have devastating effects on his nation as well as other Indigenous nations.

Big Bear took part in one of the last major battles between the Cree and the Blackfoot nations, leading fighters in the last, largest battle on the Canadian Plains.

Big Bear was born in 1824 in Jackfish Lake, near the future site of Battleford.

Big Bear's father, Muckitoo, was a minor chief of a tribe of 80 Plains Cree-Saulteaux people who were deemed to be "true nomadic hunters".

When Big Bear was old enough to walk on his own he spent his time wandering the camp socializing with many people, from the women to council members.

Big Bear was infected with the virus but unlike many in the community, after two months of suffering, he overcame it, although it did leave his face partially disfigured.

Big Bear was 40 years old and was the obvious choice.

Big Bear was described as "an independent spirit" who did not like taking direction from outsiders.

Big Bear was ultimately forced to sign the treaty on 8 December 1882 to save his people from starvation and disease because the dominion government would not help unless they signed.

Big Bear was known to be a strong warrior and was often, as an adult, called upon to defend the community.

Big Bear began talks with the Canadian government in the 1870s to work out a treaty.

Big Bear was never open to the idea of reserve life, as he feared his loss of freedom and identity as a hunter.

Big Bear stalled signing as he believed that the Canadian government would violate the treaty.

Big Bear made several attempts to warn the others against signing Treaty 6.

At one point Big Bear rode by horseback to each lodge in the area urging people not to sign the treaty and not to give up the land, because it was so rich in natural resources.

Big Bear resisted publicly at both Fort Carleton and Pitt, where the treaty was being signed.

Big Bear understood the importance of making the best of this treaty as it would have implications on the generations to come.

Big Bear questioned the Eurocentric worldview and new order being brought forth with these treaties.

Big Bear claimed Big Bear was an outsider, that he was not of the area and did not deserve the esteem he carried among the people of this area.

Big Bear was not an outsider but rather leader of a group of people who had elements of both cultures.

Big Bear resisted signing but signed Treaty 6 in 1882.

Big Bear did so because he believed he had no other choice.

Big Bear believed he was betrayed by the other chiefs as they signed the treaty after all his warnings.

In 1885, the Canadian government cut off rations to force Big Bear to settle, as he was still resisting against moving his people onto a reserve.

Big Bear had resisted signing Treaty 6 for four years.

Big Bear voluntarily surrendered to the North-West Mounted Police at Fort Carlton on 2 July 1885.

Big Bear tried to solve the problems between his people and the Canadian government peacefully.

Many hoped Big Bear would be found 'not guilty' as he had tried to stop the massacre at Frog Lake and had tried to protect the white hostages that were taken prisoner.

At the time of the trial, Big Bear was 60 years old.

The evidence was clear that Big Bear had not taken part in killings at Frog Lake or the looting and taking of hostages at Fort Pitt.

Big Bear was sentenced to three years at Stony Mountain Penitentiary in Manitoba.

Big Bear became ill and was eventually released in February 1887 after serving approximately half of his prison term.

Big Bear's failing health resulted in his death soon after, on January 17,1888, at 62 years of age.

Big Bear's legacy continues to be prominent Long after his death.

Big Bear was chosen and followed by his followers because of his wisdom.