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Poundmaker)
Pitikwahanapiwiyin (1842 – 4 July, 1886), commonly known as Poundmaker, was a Plains Cree chief known as a peacemaker and defender of his people.
In 1873, Crowfoot, chief of the Blackfoot First Nation, adopted Poundmaker thereby increasing the latter’s influence. In 1876 Poundmaker accepted Treaty 6 after opposing it for a time. Two years after this he was recognized as a chief.
During the North-West Rebellion, Poundmaker's followers laid siege to Fort Battleford, Saskatchewan . A military force led by Colonel William Dillon Otter attacked Poundmaker's camp near Cut Knife Hill, but was forced to retreat. Poundmaker, who had not taken part in the fight, prevented the warriors from pursuing the soldiers.
Despite his protestations of innocence, Poundmaker was convicted of treason in 1885 and sentenced to 3 years in Stony Mountain Penitentiary . He was released after serving a year, weak in spirit and in poor health. He died of a lung hemorrhage at Blackfoot Crossing, Alberta on July 4, 1886, four months after his release.
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