In a letter written back on Feb. 5, 2021, Poundmaker Cree Nation Chief Duane Antonie stated that, on the family’s behalf, the rightful owner of the leadership staff, that belonged to Chief Poundmaker would be Pauline Poundmaker - or Brown Bear woman is the direct descendent. On May 4th, Parks Canada transferred the staff from the collection of historical objects to his descendants. The Ceremonial Staff was used as a vital part of governance, ceremony and community life.
“Repatriation of sacred artifacts and objects is a spiritual journey, and we would like to acknowledge Parks Canada for taking the lead in recognizing and understanding the significance of transferring ownership of Chief Poundmaker’s Staff to our family. Hiy Hiy” – stated Pauline Poundmaker, Brown Bear Woman
Pauline acts as representative for the family. According to cultural protocols, direct descendants, who are also Poundmaker Cree Nation members, are required to initiate and lead the repatriation process.
In a written statement from the Poundmaker family given to CFWE, Pitikwahanapiwiyin (Chief Poundmaker) was a Plains Cree leader of the 19th century who helped bring the nations together and strove to protect the interests of the Cree during the negotiation of Treaty 6. Chief Poundmaker was a humble and honest man, who acted as a peacemaker and sought to declare his loyalty to the Crown during the North-West Resistance of 1885. After the resistance he was convicted for treason-felony in a trial that has since been widely criticized. In 1967, Poundmaker’s remains were brought back home from his original resting place on Siksika Territory and was reinterred at the Battle of Cut Knife on the Poundmaker Reserve.
“This was a historic day in the repatriation journey which was a spiritual journey and cultural journey and healing journey and to come to the point where we are able to take ownership of Poundmaker leadership staff. We began our conversation with Parks Canada in February 2021. Today we were able to transfer ownership titles of chief Poundmaker’s staff to our family,” says Pauline.
After the successful retrieval of the sacred artifact, Pauline believes that this will positively affect all indigenous peoples across the country and inspire them like her late relative did, by claiming more artifacts and showing willingness to stand up for taking back their items.
Listen to the audio down below: