Identity area
Type of entity
Person
Authorized form of name
Big Bear. Mistahimaskwa
Parallel form(s) of name
Mistahi-maskwa
Chief Big Bear
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
1825 – 17 January 1888
History
Big Bear, also known as Mistahi-maskwa was a powerful and popular Cree chief who played many pivotal roles in Canadian history. He was appointed to chief of his band at the age of 40 upon the death of his father, Black Powder, under his father's harmonious and inclusive rule which directly impacted his own leadership. Big Bear is most notable for his involvement in Treaty 6 and the 1885 North-West Rebellion; he was one of the few chief leaders who objected to the signing of the treaty with the Canadian government.
Places
Legal status
Functions, occupations and activities
Chief