Outbreak of Measles on Piapot

In 1884, there was an outbreak of measles and diptheria on Piapot reserve. Some band members attributed the outbreak of diptheria to environmental causes, and left the reserve after burning their houses. They subsequently held a sundance near Qu'Appelle. The NWMP and Assistant Indian Commissioner were sent to convince them to return to their reserve, which they refused to do, and instead were allowed to select a new tract of land upon which to settle immediately.