Big Bear

Mistahi-maskwa (Big Bear) was the last major Indigenous leader of the Canadian prairies to refuse submission to Ottawa's restrictive treaty terms, foreseeing that treaty reservations would subject his people to starvation and governmental subjugation.

Though a steadfast champion of peace, younger militant warriors in his band attacked Frog Lake in 1885 against his explicit orders. Despite preventing further bloodshed and protecting hostages, Big Bear was arrested, convicted of treason-felony, and served two brutal years in Stony Mountain Penitentiary before dying shortly after his release.