At Poundmaker Cree Nation, May 2nd is a remembrance day, reflecting on the Battle of Cut Knife Hill, when outnumbered Cree warriors led by Fineday, responded with such effectiveness to an unauthorized attack led by Lt.-Col. William Otter, that his “flying column” was forced into humiliating retreat.
And despite their vulnerability in retreat, Poundmaker – or his brother, Yellow Mud Blanket who was part of the warriors party – gave the command to spare their lives.
Sincere thanks to Milton Tootoosis for permission to share his collection of photos, and links to a variety of sources historical resources that tell the story, including this piece from the University of Saskatchewan.
(Even Otter’s own biography from the Canadian Dictionary of Biography clearly lays out his ineptitude, Middleton’s disapproval, and the powerful act of mercy from the Cree that spared him and his troops. Whenever I drive past Battleford’s Col. Otter Park, I shake my head and sigh to see his name exalted.
Oral history is incredibly important in countering the colonial/military narrative of the time that seeks to wrap itself in glory at the expense of the Cree (regardless of facts). From my own reading, I would also like to share a chapter from Gary Radison’s 2013 biography: Fineday: Plains Cree Warrior, Shaman and Elder (published in Calgary by Smoke Ridge Books). Radison takes the unusual approach of working with the comments from Fineday himself, recorded in 1930 by ethnologist David Mandelbaum.
#May2 #historic1885 #WeAreStillHear #Resistance #Treaty6 #canadasindianwars #battleofcutknifehill #colotterG
One Response
I am a descendant of the Michif of Bresaylor, who were taken into Poundmaker’s camp and helped to defend against the Canadians.
Little is clear about the Métis actions at Cut Knife, having been retold numerous times in different ways and from different viewpoints.
One day, I will visit and pay respects, I hope.