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Big Bear's birth date was not recorded, but we do know he was born on the Saskatchewan prairies. He was a skilled rider and respected leader. He rejected the idea of signing a Treaty for a number of years, not wanting to sign away his people's freedom. Finally, when his people were on the brink of starvation, he signed a Treaty in 1882. Big Bear was seen as troublesome by the Mounted Police, and after the Frog Lake Massacre in 1885 he was arrested and charged with treason/felony. He was found guilty and pleaded on behalf of his people to be pardoned. He served two years at Stony Mountain Penitentiary and died shortly after his release-many say from a broken spirit.
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