Friday, May 23rd, 2014

East End, Saskatchewan

A Place of Safety

There’s this incredible feeling of safety or sanctuary in the town of East End.  I felt it when I walked through here last year, quite overwhelmed by people’s kindness and receptivity.  I had a chance to find out why the place was so special, at least from the historical point of view.

Tim, from “The Advance” newspaper, located in Gull Lake, was interviewing me about my walking excursions.  Once done, I took the liberty to interview him to let me know what is so significant about this area.  Not but one kilometre near Raven’s Craig, in this extraordinary valley with coulees all around, the very revered Chief Sitting Bull, came here to stay for a three year period with his army.  The US blue coats were eager to capture this powerful warrior who fought for his people’s culture preservation.  Sitting Bull took refuge here and in the adjoining Cypress Hill. 

Tim, who’s quite the historian, elaborated on the past and satisfied my questions about this peaceful place.  On a plaque on the valley road nearby, a synopsis is given. 

“In 1876 the Sioux Indian Nation defeated General Custer at the battle of Little Big Horn.  Fearing reprisal from the US Cavalry, thousands of Sioux passed the Medicine Line – the Canada/US border.  Sitting Bull came with 400 of his lodges, and is reported to have camped in the Cypress Hills.  It is said that 200 of Crazy Horse’s lodges camped near this site.  Many had originally stayed in the US with Crazy Horse, but when their chief was killed by cavalry soldiers at Fort Robinson in the states.  Lodges joined Sitting Bull north of the Medicine Line.”

So this area was a major shelter for the indigenous people who were eventually coerced to return south for various reasons, including the consequences of lack of food source, the buffalo, which has all been killed. 

It was an ugly period of history for human kind.  We should know history and learn from past mistakes.  When you walk, you must spend time, at least a moment, to understand the pain and pleasures of past peoples. 

May the Source be with you!

6 KM