By Katie Ryan
The historical events and voices of 1885 were “re-awakened” last week. Friday, May 28, marked the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Frenchman Butte – the last battle ever fought on Canadian soil. And to commemorate the event a new tri-lingual descriptive plaque was unveiled recognizing all of the participants in the battle, featuring inscriptions in English, French and Cree.
“We are committed to working with others to create a more representative system, one that truly reflects the rich history and heritage of Canada,” said Parks Canada national historic sites manager south Saskatchewan field unit Mark Calette. “We have expanded our consultation process to ensure that stakeholders and privileged partners have the opportunity to participate as stewards of cultural legacy.”
Frenchman Butte was designated a national historic site because of its associations with the May 28, 1885 military engagement of strongly entrenched First Nations people led by Wandering Spirit and Canadian troops led by General T.B. Strange. It is one of several battle sites associated with the North West Rebellion/ Resistance of 1885.
Addressing dignitaries, Onion Lake First Nations people, members of the Steele Scouts, Frenchman Butte Historical Society and community members, Calette said the events of 1885 are dynamic and pivotal in shaping the nation’s history and are no longer viewed solely as a rebellion spurred on by rebels, but rather a complex story that warrants careful examination of all participants.
“We know that this is not merely a battle site, the story is much broader than that and as history evolves so too does the interpretation. While it is often said that there are two sides to every story, in this case there are at least three or more,” he said. “(Friday’s) commemoration allows us the opportunity to acknowledge the past and honour all those who participated in it. It honours the request to focus on the whole story rather than just the military component. The commemoration demonstrates that this voice is being heard, it is our hope that the many voices of this story will also be together to present the whole story of the events of 1885.”
An official RCMP led flag party opened the ceremony, which was held at Y Coulee due to poor weather, and Onion Lake First Nations dancers closed the ceremony with traditional dancing. Chief Wallace Fox expressed his gratitude that education and respect for First Nations history are being taught and commemorated now.
“Even the history of 1492 when Columbus was here, the written text that is being taught in the schools that I learned and many of us have learned is not the true history of our people. The oral history tells a very different story that has been passed on through ceremony and through the generations years ago,” he said during the ceremony. “At least our histories are now being talked about and rewritten, we are very grateful.”
Following recommendations from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada to broaden programming at the 1885 sites to reflect First Nations understandings of the events, a review of the 1885 story was undertaken and all plaque texts associated were reviewed. In 2008, the revised Battle of Frenchman Butte plaque text was approved bearing inscriptions in French, English and Cree, to be on permanent display overlooking the historic battlefield near the archaeological remains of the rifle pits built by the Cree.
“It is sort of a re-awakening of our historic site,” said local historian and Frenchman Butte museum volunteer Wayne Brown. “There was work done years and years ago with signs put up and most of those have gotten to a dilapidated condition or don’t even exist anymore. Now we have new stuff coming on line so that the tourist that comes by exploring these features of the different battles, they have something to get a grasp of what is going on and with the dedication of the new plaque it’s trilingual.”
Other events scheduled to commemorate the events of 1885 include a rededication ceremony of Fort Pitt on July 10, historical commemoration of the 1885 North-West Resistance on Aug. 8 in Frenchman Butte and in September the Steele Scouts will re-enact a trail ride on horseback from Frog Lake travelling cross-country to Steele Narrows.