More than 200 people came out to watch the re-enactment of the Battle of Cut Knife at Poundmaker First Nation on the battle's 125th anniversary Friday.
Children, veterans, elders and media attended to witness the battle between Chief Poundmaker and Lieutenant-Colonel William Otter in full period dress featuring First Nations, RCMP, Canadian Forces and Fort Battleford participants.
Grant Tyler, who played the role of Otter, said he has re-enacted many battles before but this one was especially interesting because, "It isn't really talked about, and I think it's a very important battle in Canadian history."
The 125th commemoration of the 1885 Northwest Resistance is an excellent opportunity to tell the story of the prairie Métis and First Nations peoples' struggle with government forces and how it has shaped Canada today.
A descendent of Chief Poundmaker, veteran Frank Tompkin, spoke of the stories told by his grandmother of the Battle at Poundmaker Hill.
"I am a proud descendent of Chief Poundmaker and very grateful that his story is being told today so that our people will not forget."
The Battle of Cut Knife was the natives' most successful battle during the North-West Rebellion and not many people know about it. Not even Veteran Roy Alexson, of the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers regiment, was fully aware of how the battle occurred.
Alexson explained how this would expand his historic knowledge and give him a sense of pride because it is part of his home.
"I regret these things had to happen for the future of native people but I'm thankful that we can share this information and renew our relationships between white and First Nations."
The battle, fought on May 2, 1885, occurred when a small force of Cree and Assiniboine warriors was attacked by a flying column of mounted police, militia and Canadian army regulars. Otter's decision to attack the Poundmaker reserve ended in retreat and victory for Chief Poundmaker's reserve. Eight of Otter's force died; five or six natives were also killed.
Colleen Norris, organizer of the Trails of 1885, said they are hoping to make this re-enactment an annual event.
There is now a cairn erected upon Cut Knife Hill, the site of the battle, where Chief Poundmaker and his warriors are buried.
