Tepastenam
Encyclopedia
Tepastenam was a respected leader of the Pimicikamak
indigenous people in the 19th century. He was born about 1805. From oral history accounts he may have been a Midewiwin
leader or Kiseman. The record of his baptism in 1875 describes him as "A noted conjurer for many years, who long resisted the teachings of Christianity."
Methodist congregation as "chief" and his wife May was listed as "chiefess". He first appears on the government of Canada paylist as "chief" in 1876. However, he "was a leader both before and after [Pimicikamak] entered treaty.".
on behalf of the Pimicikamak
people on September 24, 1875 in Norway House. Neither of the other two signatories matched his stature as a leader of the Pimicikamak people. His mark [an X] granted Treaty rights to the Crown in an area of the Northwest Territories
that was twice the size of the Province of Manitoba at the time.
Pimicikamak
Pimicikamak is the name of one of the Cree-speaking aboriginal peoples of Canada. Pimicikamak is "a people of rivers and lakes. The traditional territory of Pimicikamak is around Sipiwesk Lake in the heart of the boreal forest, five hundred kilometres north of Winnipeg, Manitoba...
indigenous people in the 19th century. He was born about 1805. From oral history accounts he may have been a Midewiwin
Midewiwin
The Midewiwin or the Grand Medicine Society is a secretive religion of the aboriginal groups of the Maritimes, New England and Great Lakes regions in North America. Its practitioners are called Midew and the practices of Midewiwin referred to as Mide...
leader or Kiseman. The record of his baptism in 1875 describes him as "A noted conjurer for many years, who long resisted the teachings of Christianity."
Family
Tepastenam's family had its wintering grounds at "John Scott's Lake". This has been identified as Setting Lake on the Grass River. He and his family members traded at Nelson House until 1843. Later he began trading at Norway House. Beginning in 1861, some of his children and grandchildren were baptized at Rossville.English name
In 1875, Tepastenam was baptized Donald William Sinclair Ross. He was listed in the 1881 register of the Cross LakeCross Lake
Cross Lake lies on the border of Cayuga and Onondaga Counties in New York. Cross Lake lies within the boundaries of the traditional Onondaga Indian Nation. The lake is reputed in local tradition to be the boyhood home of Hiawatha, the great peace maker...
Methodist congregation as "chief" and his wife May was listed as "chiefess". He first appears on the government of Canada paylist as "chief" in 1876. However, he "was a leader both before and after [Pimicikamak] entered treaty.".
Treaty 5
Tepastenam was notable as the lead signatory to Treaty 5Treaty 5
Treaty 5 is a treaty that was first established in September, 1875, between Queen Victoria and Saulteaux and Swampy Cree non-treaty tribes and peoples around Lake Winnipeg in the District of Keewatin. Much of what is today central and northern Manitoba was covered by the treaty, as were a few small...
on behalf of the Pimicikamak
Pimicikamak
Pimicikamak is the name of one of the Cree-speaking aboriginal peoples of Canada. Pimicikamak is "a people of rivers and lakes. The traditional territory of Pimicikamak is around Sipiwesk Lake in the heart of the boreal forest, five hundred kilometres north of Winnipeg, Manitoba...
people on September 24, 1875 in Norway House. Neither of the other two signatories matched his stature as a leader of the Pimicikamak people. His mark [an X] granted Treaty rights to the Crown in an area of the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a federal territory of Canada.Located in northern Canada, the territory borders Canada's two other territories, Yukon to the west and Nunavut to the east, and three provinces: British Columbia to the southwest, and Alberta and Saskatchewan to the south...
that was twice the size of the Province of Manitoba at the time.