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Aboriginal Youth Identity Series: Origin and Settlementphotostidbitsglossarybiographiesstory and legendsVideopuzzles and game
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Beardy

Bearspaw

Big Bear

John Calihoo

Carry the Kettle

Dave Crowchild

James Gladstone

Maski-pitoon

Pakan

Peguis

Piapot

Poundmaker

Red Crow

Shot Both Sides

Sitting Bull

Marie Rose Smith

Star Blanket

Henry Bird Steinhauer

Sweet Grass

Gerald Tailfeathers

Tom Three Persons

Poundmaker, Cree Chief

Portrait of Poundmaker, Cree Chief at Stoney Mountain Penitentiary

Poundmaker was a great hunter. His name reflected his ability to draw the buffalo into the pound for slaughter. Buffalo pounds were built at the end of a long draw, resembling a big corral in the shape of a funnel. Poundmaker would dress in fur robes to imitate a buffalo, and lure the herd into the pound. He was not Chief at the time of signing Treaty 6 but was nevertheless very influential. He became Chief shortly after the treaty was signed. Poundmaker was one of few Cree who got along with the Blackfoot. He was viewed as the adopted son of Blackfoot Chief Crowfoot. Initially, Poundmaker agreed to help Louis Riel in the rebellion. However, when he received a letter from Hayter Reed, Assistant Commissioner of Indian Affairs suggesting not to get involved, Poundmaker withdrew his support from the rebellion. Poundmaker's people were involved with the Cut Knife Creek Battle and subsequently he was charged with treason/felony, found guilty and sentenced to three years in the Stony Mountain Penitentiary. Poundmaker died shortly after his release presumably from a heart attack while visiting Chief Crowchild. He was initially buried on the Blackfoot reserve. However during Canada's centennial year, the Cree moved his remains back to the Cut Knife reservation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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