Summary
The Kawacatoose band was starving and was not provided with emergency rations by the government. Thus, to prevent death, they killed the ox, bull, cow, and two calves that had been provided for them by Indian Affairs.
Implications
The desperation that came with starvation resulting in band members to consume the animals that Indian Affairs had intended for them to use to raise large herds. Occasions like this one, where band members ate government animals out of necessity, contributed to the perception by Indian Affairs officials that Indigenous people should not be trusted to take care of these animals. Yet, it was the duty of the government to provide assistance and rations during famine. Being that the Kawacatoose band had to resort to killing government provided animals indicates that the Canadian Government was refusing to fulfill their treaty obligations leaving the Kawacatoose band no other option. In many cases, the government refused or withheld rations from Indigenous peoples despite treaty stipulations, making instances such as this one common within the government's pattern of escaping fiduciary duty.
Sub Event
Band is starving, consumes government-issued animals as last-resort food source
Date
1877-10-00
Community