Little Chief Restaurant

History

In the 1800s before the numbered Peace Treaties 1-11 with Canada, traditional territories of the Tsuut’ina and Blackfoot Confederacy alliance was still patrolled on a regular basis. This territory stretched north to the North Saskatchewan River, south to the Yellowstone River, west from the Rocky Mountains and east to the Cypress Hills. The Cree occupied territories north and east of these boundaries.

At times war would break out between these great Nations. A powerful Tsuut’ina medicine warrior and great war chief named “Little Chief” was in one of these battles along the North Saskatchewan River. “Little Chief” was the older brother of Chiila (Bullhead) who would later sign the great Peace Treaty Number 7 in 1877 with Canada on behalf of the Tsuut’ina Nation. “Little Chief” was mortally wounded by the Cree. In his last breaths he gave his gun to his younger brother Chilla (Bullhead) and told him, “You’ll be Chief from now on. I’ll sing my death song and use what’s left of my power to give you a safe retreat.” As “Little Chief” sang, a fog rose from the North Saskatchewan River, giving his Tsuut’ina brothers safe passage. Years later a great peace was negotiated between the Nations at Wetaskiwin (Peacehills). Many war stories and honours of bravery were bestowed to each other’s warriors at this gathering. One in particular was for “Little Chief.” The Crees recounted finding “Little Chief” in his final moments singing his death song. After his death the Crees were impressed by his power and bravery and to show respect they placed “Little Chief” on a blanket and put his weapons on his chest.

At first Chiila (Bullhead) didn’t believe the Cree’s story of his brother and angrily told them, “Don’t talk about my brother!” The Crees then told Chiila (Bullhead), “You don’t believe us?” They then sang “Little Chief’s” death song to prove their story. Chiila (Bullhead) then accepted their honours for his older brother and to this day, peace has followed.