| description: | Known as "the Shaman", George was born in the Red River Settlement in 1819. He was over six feet tall, a skilled hunter, fighter, horseman, and trader. He was known as a rogue and a troublemaker, yet he played a key role in the significant events of his time. In 1873 he and others established a council in the Qu'appelle Valley with the intention of establishing a government. Since they were uneducated men they awaited the arrival of Louis Riel to assist them. In 1873 at James McKay's request, he spent the Winter travelling among the American Metis and aboroginals who planned to enter Canada to join forces with Canadian Metis and aboriginals in an effort to push white settlement from the plains. Shaman advised them that they could find themselves unwelcome in both countries and obtained their signatures and their promise to remain south of the border in the USA. In 1874 he represented the Assiniboine at the negotiations of Treaty No. 4. His display of military strength and his strong position during the negotiations led to his being overpowered, handcuffed, and kept under guard in a tent during the proceedings. He was released only when he promised to leave the area. |