10
Upon news of Duck Lake, Poundmaker felt it necessary to affirm his allegance to the queen. Poundmaker and a delegation arrived in Battleford, March 29, 1885, to find it abandoned. The white population, having misinterpreted Poundmakers reason for coming, had taken refuge in the N.W.M.P. Fort. Tired of waiting and hungry some of his people looted stores and homes while leaving Battleford.11
A group of Big Bear's Cree, led by Wandering Spirit, attacked the Frog Lake settlement, April 2, 1885, because they were tired of waiting for promised extra rations to be given out. Nine people were killed including Indian Agent Quinn, 2 priests, and 6 others. Three prisoners were taken captive, including Theresa Gowanlock, Theresa Delaney and Hudson's Bay Company clerk William Cameron.12
Chief Big Bear at Fort Pitt.1884
This photo was taken inside Fort Pitt
13
Big Bear and 250 of his people arrived at Fort Pitt on April 23, 1885 to find it barricaded. Inspector Dickens refused Big Bear's request to surrender, however, he sent tea, tobacco, blankets and kettles as an invitation to discuss native grievances. These peaceful discussions were broken when 3 deployed scouts made an attempt to return to the fort. The commotion led to one scout being killed and another wounded. As Inspector Dickens abandoned Fort Pitt the white settlers were added to Big Bear's prisoners.14
North West Field Force, a federal army of eight thousand and led by General Frederick Middleton, was raised because of these incidents and dispatched to quell Big Bear, in the north-east and to relieve besieged Battleford.15
Once Middleton defeated the Metis in Batoche he proceeded on to Battleford to free the Fort.1885
16
Seeking retribution, Lieutenant Colonel Otter with a military regiment led an unsanctioned attack on Poundmaker's camp near Cut Knife hill on May 2, 1885. After a lengthy battle, Otter's forces were forced to withdraw, leaving them vulnerable to annihilation; Poundmaker prevented his eager warriors from doing so.17
Chief Poundmaker.1885
Unknown
18
On May 29, 1885, anticipating an advance of the military, under Major-General Strange, Big Bear had a series of rifle pits dug into the side of Frenchman's Butte. Strange arrived with his troops and a field gun and found the Cree defenses virtually impregnable. After a brief battle, overwhelming obstacles made Strange decide to return to Fort Pitt and wait for supplies and reinforcements.19
Fleeing the aftermaths of Frenchman's Butte, Big Bear and his band arrived at Loon Lake. Sam Steel and a force of 60 policemen and soldiers found the Cree camped on both sides of the Narrows. They attacked on June 3, 1885 but were repelled; Steel withdrew a short distance and waited for reinforcements. The skirmish at Steel Narrows was the last armed conflict of 1885.20
Big Bear in chains at Fort Carlton.July, 1885
Fort Carlton is located on the east bank of the North Saskatchewan River, west of Duck Lake
21
Big Bear and Poundmaker at their trial in Regina.1885
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
22
Poundmaker and his warriors turned themselves in at Battleford. Big Bear finally gave himself up at Fort Carlton on July 2, 1885. They went to trial in Regina and Poundmaker and Big Bear each received three year sentences. They died soon after their release.23
Beardys people in 1889.1889
Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation
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