Ahtahkakoop

Ahtahkakoop (, "Starblanket", – 4 December 1896) was a Head Chief of the Plains Cree and presided over the House Cree (Wāskahikaniwiyiniwak) division of the Plains Cree people of northern Saskatchewan, who led his people through the transition from hunter and warrior during an era where their natural sources of livelihood and cultural foundations such as the Bison were subjected to mass decline, to farmers where his people would survive amidst mass starvation of Indigenous peoples across the great plains. Despite transitioning his lifestyle; Chief Ahtahkakoop was known for encouraging traditional ways of living in his community (even as they worshipped as Christians), and his continual adherence of traditional Cree ceremonies, medicines, and feasts such as the Bear Ceremony- allowed for his non-Christian people to remain safe of religious discrimination.

He rose to be a respected and tactical leader of the Cree Nation in the latter part of the 19th century. At the onset of his leadership, the plains buffalo herds were abundant in the northern plains and parklands, providing greatly to the social, environmental, and economical balance vital to the survival of the Cree. By the 1860s, the buffalo were rapidly disappearing and with the arrival of the European settlers this balance became altered. Chief Ahtahkakoop understood that the ways of living that his band was used to needed to change in order for it and its future generations to survive. Together with his friend and fellow Chief, Mistāwasis ("Big Child"), he signed the 1876 Treaty 6 as the second signatory chief at Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan. By signing this treaty he agreed to relocate his band to a 67 square miles reserve at Sandy Lake, 45 miles northwest of present-day Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Early life

Ahtahkakoop was born about 1816 in the Saskatchewan River country. Ahtahkakoop John Chatelain was born to a French-Canadian father, Antoine Chatelain, and to a lady of mixed-origin, Okimawinotook. He was one of five brothers. The remainder being named: Masuskapoe Chatelain, Sasakamoose Jacob Chatelain, Ahenakew David Chatelain, and Nāpēskis Chatelain.

This was not Ahtahkakoop's first encounter with missionaries. Prior to his encounter with Hines, Roman Catholic priests had visited Ahtahkakoop and his people. Ahtahkakoop had allowed for these priests to baptize his children. Ahtahkakoop had yet to be converted and baptized when Hines arrived at his camp. He was baptized 20 May 1877 along with his wife, who had been cautious about converting under the Church of England due to the fact that this church differed from that of her children. Ahtahkakoop not only introduced Hines and his religious teachings to his own people but also other bands, such as that of Mistawasis and Okinomotayew of Stony Lake. Representing the Wāskahikaniwiyiniwak (House Cree), Ahtahkakoop and his four headmen: Sah-Sah-Koo-Moos (Adherer), Benjamin (Thigh), Mee-Now-Ah-Chahk-Way (Good Spirit), and Kee-Sik-Ow-Asis (Sky Child) signed in agreement with the presented treaty terms. Each chief was presented with a medal and flag, and as head chiefs Ahtahkakoop and Mistawasis were presented with the chief's government uniform which included a gold-trimmed scarlet coat, a felt top hat, pants, a shirt, and a handkerchief. However, after hearing speeches from Ahtahkakoop and Mistawasis were swayed by their opinions on why the treaty was important for the success of their people.

As a chief, Ahtahkakoop signed on behalf of all of his people who wished to peacefully share the land with settlers and the government. Therefore, Ahtahkakoop and his fellow chiefs bargained hard in order to receive as much help as possible for his people. Despite the fact the Ahtahkakoop and his people had already started to transition into relying on agriculture for food and income, he recognized that there needed to be some sort of safety net in place for his people in case times got tough. The chiefs also asked for further support as they transitioned to an agricultural based life, such as more supplies and oxen to help ease this transition.

Ahtahkakoop and Mistawasis were both questioned as to where their loyalties lay. Both men were set on honouring the treaty that they had signed together less than 10 years earlier. They stated that instead they would stay neutral during the events. Both men by this time were close to the age of 70, and despite their impressive past as warriors, they were doubtful that they would be much help on the battlefield. Therefore, they told officials that if they were unable to stop Riel and his men via force, they would take their people to Prince Albert to keep them safe.

Legacy Ahtahkakoop died 4 December 1896 at the age of about 80 years, struck by what is believed to have been a heart attack while out on a walk with his grandson Pacī (James Starblanket). His son, Ka-miyoastotin (He Who Wears a Fine Hat), or Basil Starblanket, succeeded him as Chief of his father's band. He was buried on the reserve that was named after him. In 1993 a high school named after him was built on the Ahtahkakoop Reserve. The building of this school not only honours him but also other band members, which can be seen in the school's Hall of Achievement which displays the accomplishments of the Cree peoples.