The Battle of Cut Knife: A Testament to Indigenous Resistance and Restraint
The Battle of Cut Knife, fought on May 2, 1885, was one of the most remarkable episodes of the Northwest Rebellion. In this engagement, Cree and Assiniboine warriors, led by Chief Poundmaker, successfully repelled a Canadian militia attack near Cut Knife Hill in present-day Saskatchewan. The battle demonstrated the tactical prowess of Indigenous forces and their ability to defend their territories against government incursions. However, it also underscored the complexity of Indigenous resistance, as Poundmaker’s decision to prevent further violence highlighted his commitment to avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. Ultimately, the battle proved to be both a victory and a missed opportunity for the Indigenous resistance.
The Political Situation at the Beginning
The political landscape of the Northwest Rebellion was shaped by decades of growing tension between the Canadian government and Indigenous peoples on the prairies. The government’s policies, driven by its vision of westward expansion and settlement, systematically eroded the autonomy and livelihood of Indigenous communities. Treaties signed in the late 19th century, including Treaty 6, promised food, supplies, and protection in exchange for land. However, these promises were frequently broken, leaving many Indigenous groups facing starvation and economic destitution.
The disappearance of the bison, a cornerstone of the prairie economy and culture, exacerbated the crisis. The government’s control over rations on reserves, combined with the paternalistic policies of Indian agents, created widespread resentment and despair. Chiefs such as Poundmaker and Big Bear sought to advocate for their peoples’ rights through diplomacy, but their efforts were often dismissed or ignored by Ottawa.
The broader Northwest Rebellion, led by Louis Riel and the Métis, added another layer of complexity. While the Métis fought for land rights and self-governance, many Indigenous groups saw the rebellion as an opportunity to address their own grievances. The alignment of these struggles, however, was not seamless, as Indigenous leaders like Poundmaker sought to avoid full-scale war while still asserting their rights.
The Cause of the Outbreak of Hostilities
The Battle of Cut Knife was a direct result of the Canadian government’s determination to suppress the Northwest Rebellion and assert control over the prairies. Following the Métis victory at Fish Creek on April 24, 1885, Major General Frederick Middleton ordered a crackdown on suspected Indigenous sympathisers. Government forces targeted reserves, often assuming that Indigenous communities were actively supporting the rebellion, even when evidence suggested otherwise.
Poundmaker’s reserve at Cut Knife was one such target. Despite Poundmaker’s attempts to maintain peace and advocate for his people, his community became a focal point of government suspicion. Colonel William Otter, leading a force of 325 militia and police, set out from Battleford to confront Poundmaker and his followers. Otter, emboldened by the government’s mandate to crush the rebellion, sought to pre-empt any potential Indigenous uprising by launching an attack on the reserve.
The Military Aspects and the Battle
The Battle of Cut Knife began early on the morning of May 2, 1885, when Otter’s forces approached the reserve. Poundmaker’s community, which included women, children, and elders, was camped near Cut Knife Hill, an area of rolling terrain that provided a natural defensive advantage. While Otter believed his force would easily overpower the reserve, he underestimated the tactical acumen of Poundmaker’s warriors.
The Cree and Assiniboine warriors, led by Poundmaker’s military allies including Fine Day, quickly organised a defence. Using the terrain to their advantage, they launched a series of ambushes and flanking manoeuvres that disrupted Otter’s advance. The Indigenous fighters demonstrated exceptional marksmanship and mobility, inflicting heavy casualties on the militia while sustaining minimal losses themselves.
The battle lasted several hours, with Otter’s forces unable to break through the Indigenous defences. As the fighting intensified, Poundmaker played a critical role in preventing the conflict from escalating further. Despite having the opportunity to annihilate the retreating militia, Poundmaker ordered his warriors to hold their positions and avoid pursuing the fleeing forces.
Results of the Battle
The Battle of Cut Knife was a tactical victory for the Cree and Assiniboine forces. Otter’s militia suffered significant casualties, with eight killed and 14 wounded, while Indigenous losses were minimal. The battle demonstrated the capability of Indigenous warriors to successfully defend their territory against a numerically superior and better-equipped force. It also highlighted the strategic leadership of Poundmaker and his commitment to protecting his people while avoiding unnecessary bloodshed.
However, the battle also had significant political consequences. Otter’s retreat reinforced the government’s perception of the Indigenous resistance as a threat that needed to be eliminated. Poundmaker’s restraint, while noble, was not enough to change the broader dynamics of the conflict. The government continued its campaign against Indigenous communities, eventually overwhelming the resistance through sheer force and logistical superiority.
The Resultant Outcome of the Conflict
The Battle of Cut Knife, while a moment of triumph for Indigenous forces, did not alter the ultimate course of the Northwest Rebellion. The Canadian government’s military campaign continued, culminating in the defeat of the Métis at the Battle of Batoche in May 1885. Poundmaker, despite his efforts to avoid full-scale war, was arrested later that year and tried for treason. He was sentenced to prison, though he was released after serving a brief term due to poor health. He died shortly thereafter, a victim of the harsh conditions and pressures imposed on his people.
For the Cree and Assiniboine, the aftermath of the rebellion was devastating. The government used the rebellion as justification for increased control over reserves, further restricting Indigenous autonomy and deepening the poverty and marginalisation of their communities. The rebellion’s failure also marked the end of armed Indigenous resistance on the prairies, as the government solidified its grip on the West.
Military Units and Commanders
- Indigenous Forces:
- Commander: Chief Poundmaker (political leader), Fine Day (military leader)
- Composition: Cree and Assiniboine warriors
- Strength: Approximately 200 warriors
- Canadian Forces:
- Commander: Colonel William Otter
- Composition: Canadian militia and North-West Mounted Police
- Strength: Approximately 325 men
The battle highlighted the tactical skill of the Indigenous forces, as well as the leadership and restraint of Poundmaker, whose decision to avoid further violence prevented a larger and more devastating conflict.
Conclusion
The Battle of Cut Knife was a powerful symbol of both Indigenous resistance and the complexities of the Northwest Rebellion. It demonstrated the military capabilities of the Cree and Assiniboine warriors, whose tactical victory forced a retreat of Canadian forces. Yet, it also reflected Poundmaker’s commitment to peace and his understanding of the devastating consequences that prolonged violence could bring. While the battle did not alter the eventual outcome of the rebellion, it remains a poignant reminder of the resilience and humanity of Indigenous leaders and their communities during one of the most turbulent periods in Canadian history.
John Tobias aptly concludes that “Cut Knife was more than a battle; it was a statement of resistance and a plea for understanding, a moment where courage met restraint in the face of overwhelming adversity.”
References
- Tobias, John L. Canada’s Subjugation of the Plains Cree, 1879-1885. Canadian Historical Review, 1976.
- Stanley, George F. G. The Birth of Western Canada: A History of the Riel Rebellions. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1960.
- Stenson, Fred. The Northwest Rebellion: A New Perspective. Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers, 1980.
- Morton, Desmond. A Military History of Canada. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1999.
- Payment, Diane P. The Free People: Otipemisiwak – Batoche, Saskatchewan 1870-1930. Ottawa: National Historic Parks and Sites Branch, 1990.