Poundmaker

Poundmaker, Cree chief (b in central Saskatchewan c 1842; d at Blackfoot Crossing, Alta 4 July 1886). Although he was the son of a Stoney, his mother's brother, Big Child, was a leading chief of the Eagle Hills Cree. In 1873 Poundmaker became influential when he was adopted by CROWFOOT, head chief of the Blackfoot. In 1876 he opposed Treaty No 6, but finally accepted it and 2 years later was recognized as a chief. During the NORTH-WEST REBELLION of 1885, Poundmaker's followers ransacked the abandoned village of Battleford and placed the fort under siege. A short time later, Col W.D. OTTER led a military force to "punish" the Indians, but when they attacked Poundmaker's camp near CUT KNIFE HILL they were forced to retire under heavy fire. Although Poundmaker had not taken part in the fight, he did prevent the warriors from pursuing the retreating army. At his subsequent trial for treason-felony, Poundmaker protested his innocence but was sentenced to 3 years in prison. After serving only a year he was released, broken in spirit and health, and died a few weeks later while visiting his foster father on the Blackfoot Reserve.

Author HUGH A. DEMPSEY

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Heroes in Fact and Fiction
See brief profiles and bibliographies for many notable historical Canadian figures (real and fictional). From Library and Archives Canada.

Fort Battleford National Historic Site
This Parks Canada site commemorates the 1876 North West Mounted Police headquarters in Battleford, Saskatchewan. Includes detailed notes about Big Bear, Poundmaker, the Cree, Sir Frederick Dobson Middleton, North-West Rebellion, the Battle of Cut Knife, and related topics.

Four Directions Teachings
Elders and traditional teachers representing the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and Mi’kmaq share teachings about their culture. Animated graphics visualize each of the oral teachings. This website also provides biographies of participants, transcripts, and extensive learning resources for students and their teachers. In English with French subtitles.

NFB: Chiefs
This series is the saga of five great First Nations chiefs -- Sitting Bull, Pontiac, Joseph Brant, Black Hawk and Poundmaker. Their stories form a central drama of the history of the North American continent. Features still photos and video clips. A National Film Board website.