Maskepetoon: Leader, Warrior, Peacemaker

by Hugh A. Dempsey

As a leader, Maskepetoon was respected for his skill as a hunter, his generosity and his wisdom. He was considered a "lucky" chief, a man who found buffalo on the edge of the plains, who avoided unnecessary conflicts with enemies, but protected his camp like a mother grizzly with her cubs. And in the turbulent mid-1800s, that's exactly the kind of leader the Rocky Mountain Cree needed. Maskepetoon followed his own inclinations for peace and friendship. He formed allegiances with missionaries and guided settlers through the Rockies. Yet, if necessary, he could kill with impunity, rule with an iron hand and show no mercy where he believed none should be shown. He transformed his people from woodland trappers to buffalo hunters and from woodsmen to prairie dwellers, always keeping their interests at heart. Hugh Dempsey's account of the legendary chief and his life includes insights from the Cree people of today, including descendants of Maskepetoon, and new information on the chief of the same name who lived in the United States during this time.

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Hugh Aylmer Dempsey is a well known Canadian historian and writer who has authored twelve books and numerous articles. He is an honorary chief of the Blood Tribe and was the chief curator of the Glenbow Museum. Among the many awards he has received for his writing are the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Alberta History and Award of Merit, Local History Section, Canadian Historical Association. He lives in Calgary.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly researched biography of the life and tragic death of the great Cree chief Maskepetoon of the Canadian plains in the 1800s. Who better to author such a work than the curator of the Glenbow Museum?!
I was surprised and struck with the dreadful violence and warring between the various tribes with horse thieving and attacks on encampments common place, all the while the herds of buffalo dwindling by the year.
This was an informative and interesting read.