BIG BEAR VS POUNDMAKER

ROUND ONE

BIG BEAR AKA

MISTAHIMASKWA
History: BORN 1825 NEAR JACKFISH LAKE WHICH IS
PRESENT DAY NORTH BATTLEFORD.
Father was a Ojibwa/Cree also the Chief
Mother was a member of one of these nations
Leadership: Became a LEADER in 1850s and early
1860s.
In 1871 he was the chief of the Prairie River People
1874 the head of a lodge camp with approximately 520
members
Became most powerful in the late 1870s and early
1880s.

UNITY.OBSTACLES
Unity: 1870S BIG BEAR he had tried to create a political confederation of Indian bands.
He traveled North West Canada and Montana trying to unite the aboriginals aka. Bands.
He wanted to force concessions from the government. He was unsuccessful in creating a
Indian territory in the Northwest. The government refused and his meeting in the
Battlefords was disrupted by NWMP. Big Bear and Poundmaker were able to avoid
violence.

Obstacles: When he lost his fight with the governments and they refused to negotiate, he
began to lose influence over the warriors. This happened in 1884-1885. He eventually
surrendered at Fort Carlton on July 2. His trial was held in Regina Sept 11and he was
found guilty of felony treason and sentenced to three years. He was released Feb 1887
because of poor health. He settled on Poundmaker reserve where he died on Jan 17 1888.

POUNDMAKER AKA
PITIKWAHANAPIWIYIN
History: Born in 1842 NEAR BATTLEFORD IN
SASKATCHEWAN.
FATHER: Was a Stoney Shaman
MOTHER: A Metis plains cree.
LEADERSHIP: Aug 1876 he became the head of one of
the River People bands. He also took part in Treaty No.
Six negotiations and became a spokesperson. 1879 he
was a chief and followed by 182 members.

UNITY.OBSTACLES
Unity: June 1884 a Thirst Dance was held.this was held to discuss the worsening situation of the Indians.
Over 2 000 people have gathered. The NWMP disrupted the celebration and violence was avoided by the
peacekeeping efforts of Big Bear and Poundmaker.
Obstacles: When the governments did not fulfill the treaty promises Poundmaker took his role in Indian politics and
represented the Cree. July 1881 Poundmaker escorted and guided Governor General Lord Lornes journey from
Battleford to Calgary. 1885 May after being attacked by Colonel Otter he was constantly peacekeeping. He stopped
the warriors from attacking the Otters retreating men.
May 2 He tried to move the camp to Devils Lake but the warriros leading the camp lead them to Riels fight at
Batoche.
The Bands at Batoche were defeated and again Poundmaker tried to make peace. May 26 Poundmaker surrendered at
Fort Battleford and was imprisoned. Aug1885 he was on trial and charged with treason felony in Regina. After two
days he was deemed guilty. He was sentenced to three years. He was imprisioned for One year and was released due
to health. He died four Months later.

BIG BEAR AND POUNDMAKER BOTH

SURRENDERED.
BIG BEAR

POUNDMAKER

He united his people and faced the government. He traveled to

unite the bands.

He became a real leader in 1871 as chief.

He lost his fight with the government when they refused to meet
with him and was charged and sentenced to jail.

He united his people and faced the governments. He was

recognized among Natives and Non Native communities.

Became a real leader in 1879 as a chief

He lost his fight in 1885 and surrendered and was then charged
and sentenced to jail


BOTH WARRIORS IN LOVE WITH PEACE

They both were peacemakers and at the same time united the Indians

Thank you for watching and learning about these two Indian Heros