The May 2nd 1885 Battle on Poundmaker Indian Reserve: When Canada Lost-With Aaron Tootoosis
This episode features Aaron Tootoosis from Poundmaker Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory. Aaron Tootoosis is from the Poundmaker Indian Reserve in Treaty 6 Territory. Both academically and traditionally educated, Aaron brings a grassroots perspective that challenges dominant colonial narratives on the May 2, 1885 battle that took place between the Canadian military and the people of Poundmaker, where Canada ultimately lost the battle.
In this episode we explore the events leading up to May 2, 1885, breaking down the political and economic conditions of the time, including starvation policies, land restriction, and the impacts of the Indian Act. Aaron gives a grassroots account leading up to May 2nd as well as the days events that took place.
This conversation moves between history, land, and memory, offering a grounded, grassroots account of what happened on Poundmaker Indian Reserve and why it mattered then, and why it still matters now.
Shownotes:
Battle of 1885 USASK Write up and Resources:
https://teaching.usask.ca/indigenoussk/import/cut_knife_hill_battle_of.php
Office of Treaty Commissioner Bio:
https://otc.ca/index.php/book_a_speaker/details/aaron_tootoosis.html
Facebook Bio
https://www.facebook.com/aaron.b.tootoosis
Governor General's Foot Guards Book- Steady the Buttons Two by Two:
https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/regimental-history-governor-generals-foot/used/