Big Bear, Canadian tribal chief (b. 1825)

Chief Big Bear, known in Cree as Mistahi-maskwa (ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃᒪᐢᑿ), which translates literally to "Big Bear," was a profoundly influential Plains Cree leader. Born around 1825 and passing away on January 17, 1888, his life was marked by significant contributions and complex challenges that left an indelible mark on Canadian history, particularly concerning Indigenous-settler relations and the evolving landscape of the Canadian West.

Early Life and Rise to Leadership

Big Bear's journey to leadership formally began around the age of 40, following the passing of his revered father, Black Powder. He inherited the leadership of his band, a role profoundly shaped by his father's principles of harmony and inclusivity. These foundational values directly influenced Big Bear's own approach to governance and diplomacy, setting him apart as a chief who consistently prioritized the well-being, unity, and traditional ways of his people.

Before his more prominent involvement in the events of the late 19th century, Big Bear was also a respected warrior and strategist. He distinguished himself in one of the last major inter-tribal conflicts on the Canadian Plains: the Battle of Belly River (also known as the Last Great Battle), fought in 1870. This significant engagement, between the Cree and Blackfoot nations near present-day Lethbridge, Alberta, saw Big Bear demonstrate remarkable bravery and strategic insight. His actions in this pivotal battle further solidified his reputation among his own people and neighboring nations as a formidable and insightful leader.

A Champion Against Treaty 6: Advocating for Indigenous Sovereignty

Big Bear is perhaps most renowned for his steadfast and vocal opposition to the signing of Treaty 6 with the Canadian government. Unlike many other Indigenous leaders of the time who felt pressured to sign, he harbored profound reservations about the long-term implications of these agreements, which offered reserves, annuities, and certain provisions in exchange for vast tracts of ancestral land. His objections were rooted in a deep understanding of Indigenous sovereignty and the critical importance of their traditional way of life.

He foresaw the devastating and irreversible effects that signing the treaty would have on his own Cree Nation and other Indigenous peoples. Big Bear believed these treaties would irrevocably lead to:

Big Bear's vision extended beyond the immediate interests of his own band. He ardently advocated for a unified Indigenous confederacy, urging various nations to collectively negotiate with the Crown from a position of strength, rather than signing individual, fragmented treaties. He sought a collective agreement that would better protect their shared rights and traditional territories, a foresight that highlighted his strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to pan-Indigenous solidarity.

Complex Role in the 1885 North-West Rebellion

Big Bear's involvement in the 1885 North-West Rebellion is a complex and often misunderstood chapter of his life. While his name is intrinsically linked to this period of significant unrest on the Canadian Plains, his primary objective was to prevent violence and secure a more favorable outcome for his starving and displaced people, rather than actively lead an uprising against the Canadian government. His band, suffering acutely from the drastic decline of the buffalo herds and feeling the pressures of broken treaty promises, was in a desperate and volatile state.

Despite Big Bear's consistent efforts to maintain peace and avoid direct confrontation, events tragically escalated. Some members of his band, driven by extreme desperation and anger, were involved in tragic incidents such as the Frog Lake Massacre in April 1885 and the subsequent Battle of Loon Lake. Big Bear himself attempted to restrain his warriors and actively sought to protect non-combatants during these tumultuous events. He subsequently led his people northward, trying to evade direct confrontation with approaching Canadian government troops, but his band ultimately became embroiled in the wider conflict. Following the rebellion's suppression, he was arrested, controversially charged with treason-felony, and despite his documented attempts to avert bloodshed, was convicted and sentenced to three years in Stony Mountain Penitentiary.

Legacy and Historical Impact

Big Bear returned to the Poundmaker Reserve in 1887 after his release from prison, his health and spirit broken. He passed away shortly thereafter in January 1888. Despite the tragic end to his active leadership, Big Bear's legacy endures as a powerful symbol of Indigenous resistance, foresight, and dedication to his people's well-being. His steadfast refusal to quickly sign Treaty 6, his persistent calls for Indigenous unity and collective negotiation, and his nuanced, often misinterpreted, role in the 1885 events underscore his profound commitment to protecting Indigenous rights and traditional ways of life amidst overwhelming colonial pressures. His story remains a crucial narrative in understanding the complexities of Canadian history and the enduring struggles for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chief Big Bear

What was Chief Big Bear's birth name?
Chief Big Bear's birth name in Cree was Mistahi-maskwa (ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃᒪᐢᑿ), which directly translates to "Big Bear."
Why was Big Bear hesitant to sign Treaty 6?
Big Bear was deeply concerned that signing Treaty 6 would lead to the permanent loss of his people's free nomadic lifestyle, their traditional lands, and their inherent sovereignty. He foresaw devastating long-term consequences, including increased dependency on the government and the erosion of their cultural practices and self-governance.
What role did Chief Big Bear play in the 1885 North-West Rebellion?
Big Bear's role was complex and largely focused on preventing violence. While some members of his desperate band were involved in key incidents like the Frog Lake Massacre and the Battle of Loon Lake, Big Bear himself consistently tried to avoid conflict and maintain peace. He sought to protect his people and negotiate better terms for them, rather than instigate a rebellion against the Canadian government. Despite his efforts, he was implicated and subsequently convicted of treason-felony.
What made Big Bear a "powerful and popular" chief?
Big Bear's power and popularity stemmed from his strong leadership, his adherence to the inclusive principles inherited from his father, his bravery and strategic insight in inter-tribal battles (such as the Battle of Belly River in 1870), and his unwavering commitment to his people's well-being and sovereignty. His foresight regarding the treaties and his advocacy for a unified Indigenous confederacy also garnered him widespread respect.