In the winter of 1869-1870 the last large scale smallpox epidemic hit the Canadian Plains killing over 3,500 people, mostly Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Cree, A'aninin, and Metis. Like the large scale epidemics prior, this outbreak spread northward from the Missouri River Valley. Historian, Margaret Kennedy, attributes the source of this infection to the steamer, Utah, on the Missouri River. In addition to the outbreak of smallpox, the American Whiskey trade (commonly referred to as the 'Whoop-Up' trade) was in full swing making the Plains during the early 1870s one of the most chaotic and lawless frontiers. Vaccinations were requested immediately in August, 1869, but due to a political crisis and the chaotic state of the Plains, due to the American whiskey trade, prevented the vaccine from reaching the communities in need until April, 1870. The epidemic wasn't considered over until June of 1871.
Summary
Implications
The outbreak of smallpox further increased tensions in a situation that was already out of control. The Niitsitapi, who were hit particularly hard, blamed the largely immune white population on the Canadian Plains and often retaliated with violence. In addition to fighting white settlers and American whiskey traders, the Niitsitapi continued their long running war with the Cree-Assiniboine alliance. The epidemic resulted in the Plains Cree insisting on the Dominion Government to provide a 'medicine chest' in Treaty 6 in case of future epidemics.
Date
1869-00-00
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