TRANSCRIPT

Carter Yellowbird, a descendent of Big Bear, narrates the story of Chief Big Bear as told by Edward Ahenakew, a Cree ordained Anglican priest, born on the Sandy Lake Reserve, as told to him by Chief Thunderchild before his death in 1927

'Big Bear made his own way to Fort Carlton and surrendered there. In the trials that followed, he was charged with treason-felony and was sentenced to three years at Stoney Mountain Penitentiary, though the jury recommended mercy, and Commissioner Dewdney requested the clemency of the Crown towards the Indians.

No one appealed specifically for the release of Big Bear, as the powerful Blackfoot chief, Crowfoot, and Dewdney pleaded for Poundmaker's. Big Bear served two years of his sentence before he was released. A general amnesty had been declared in 1886, but his band had been the principal nucleus of agitation, and its remnants were dispersed, merging with other bands. Big Bear went to Little Pine reserve.

He no longer had the will to live, and in the winter of 1887-1888, quietly died.'

Narrated by Carter Yellowbird