The Battle of Duck Lake marked the beginning of the North-West Resistance, a pivotal moment in Canadian history often misunderstood in its Indigenous context. Chief Beardy of Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation was caught between two sacred agreements—Treaty 6 with the Crown and the Iron Alliance with the Métis—making neutrality his only path. Today, Pêmiska Tourism shares these untold stories, inviting you to walk the land, hear the voices of resilience, and experience the enduring strength of Indigenous history.
The Battle of Duck Lake: Understanding Chief Beardy’s Perspective
The Battle of Duck Lake on March 26, 1885, started the North-West Resistance. While it’s often viewed as a clash between the Métis and the Canadian government, the role of Chief Beardy from Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation is often misunderstood. On March 26, 2025, we observe the 140th anniversary of the first shot fired in a conflict known by many names — the Riel Rebellion, the North-West Rebellion, the Métis Resistance, and the North-West Resistance. Today, it’s viewed as resistance, showing Indigenous resilience and the strength to protect our culture, identity, and way of life.
Chief Beardy’s Treaty Obligations
kamiscowesit, also known as Chief Beardy was bound by two agreements: the Treaty 6 alliance with the Crown and a pre-existing treaty with the Métis through the Iron Alliance. This Indigenous agreement established shared use of the land and kinship ties. His refusal to support either side in the North-West Resistance wasn’t due to a lack of empathy but a commitment to honour these sacred agreements forged in ceremony. Beardy could not pledge support for Gabriel Dumont under the leadership of Louis Riel, and he could not do the same for the Canadian government. Supporting one side would have meant betraying the other, a conflict of principles that deeply weighed on him.
The Story of Assiyiwin: A Willow Cree Perspective
First Nations oral history offers a powerful perspective on the events. Harry Michael, a member of Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, shared the story of his grandfather’s uncle, Assiwiyin:
Assiwiyin, an elderly man with poor eyesight, walked home from Duck Lake despite warnings of impending violence. When confronted, he stood his ground, refusing to turn back, stating, “If you are going to have a battle, you cannot do it on our reserve land.” His bravery did not waver, but tragically, Joe McKay shot him, making Assiwiyin the first casualty of the battle.
Harry Michael
This account highlights the resilience of the Cree people and challenges the narrative that Chief Beardy’s Band supported the resistance.
The Aftermath: Injustice and Reconciliation
Following the Battle of Duck Lake, the Canadian government wrongfully accused Beardy’s Nation of siding with the Métis. Their chiefs were deposed, their treaty medals confiscated, their governance was unrecognized until 1936, and the promise of treaty annuities was broken. Though the original medals remain lost, the Canadian Mint issued recast Treaty 6 medals in 2020 with support of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, and the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan symbolizing reconciliation. In 2022, a settlement addressed the unpaid treaty annuities from 1885.
Yet the question remains—where are the original Treaty 6 medals? If they are ever found and returned, Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation would hold a profound distinction: the only First Nation in Canada to possess four Treaty 6 medals. This possibility represents not just historical restoration but a reaffirmation of their enduring strength and resilience.
Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackemore.
Experience Heart and History with Pêmiska Tourism
At Pêmiska Tourism, we invite you to explore these stories and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous history. We believe when you connect what’s within you with what’s around you, beautiful and inspiring things can happen. We invite you to walk the paths of Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation, hear the voices of resilience, and experience the enduring spirit of this land.
Learn more about our immersive cultural experiences and tours today.