Assiniboine Subgroups and Bands
The Assiniboine, also known as the Nakoda, possess a rich and complex social structure characterized by various subgroups and bands. These groups were often defined by their geographic locations, specific cultural identities, and political alliances with neighboring nations, most notably the Plains Cree. Over centuries, these bands migrated across the northern plains of the United States and the Canadian prairies, adapting to diverse environments from the dense forests of the Rocky Mountains to the open grasslands.
Key Facts
- Diverse Identities: The Assiniboine split into distinct identities such as the Wood Stoney-Nakoda and Mountain Stoney-Nakoda.
- Cree Alliances: Many bands were politically integrated with the "Upstream" and "Downstream" people of the Plains Cree.
- Geographic Range: Territories spanned from the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta to the Missouri River in Montana.
- Historical Tragedy: The 1873 Cypress Hills Massacre involving the bands of chiefs Manitupotis and Hunkajuka led to the creation of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP).
- Modern Affiliations: Today, descendants are part of various First Nations in Canada and federally recognized tribes in the U.S., including the Fort Peck and Fort Belknap communities.
Regional Band Classifications
The Mountain and Forest Groups
Several bands sought refuge or specialized in the rugged terrain of the west. The Hebina (Rock Mountain People), often called the Thickwood Assiniboine, moved deep into the Rocky Mountains in the mid-18th century to escape smallpox, eventually forming the Mountain Stoney-Nakoda identity. Similarly, the Inyantonwanbina (Stone/Rock People) retreated into the mountains by the end of the 18th century.
The Canhewincasta (Wood Mountain People) inhabited the Big Muddy Badlands and Wood Mountain regions of Saskatchewan and Montana. They maintained close ties with the Insaombi band and were historically aligned with the "Downstream People" of the Plains Cree.
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The Wood and Swamp Groups
The Cantonga (Swampy Ground Assiniboine) operated near Fort Edmonton on the North Saskatchewan River. After displacing the Tsuutʼina Nation, they secured buffalo hunting grounds around Beaverhill Lake and the Beaver Hills, evolving into the Wood Stoney-Nakoda. The Sihabi (Foot People) also split their identity between the Wood and Mountain Stoney-Nakoda groups.
Other groups defined by their environment include the Ptegabina (Swamp People) and the Canknuhabi (Forest Villagers).
Political Alliances and Cultural Shifts
The Cree-Assiniboine Integration
A significant cultural phenomenon occurred with the Sahiyaiyeskabi (Plains Cree-speakers), also known as the Young Dogs. This group consisted of mixed bands of Plains Cree, Assiniboine, and later Plains Ojibwe (Saulteaux). Over time, they adopted Plains Cree as their primary language and are identified today as Cree.
Conflict and Law Enforcement
The history of the Assiniboine is also marked by violent conflict. On June 1, 1873, the bands of chief Manitupotis (Wankanto) and Hunkajuka (Little Chief) were targeted in the Cypress Hills Massacre. American wolfers killed at least 20 Assiniboine in retaliation for horse-stealing by Cree in Montana. This event was a primary catalyst for the establishment of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), the precursor to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Summary of Major Assiniboine Bands
| Band Name | Meaning/Alias | Historical Region | Modern Affiliation (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantonga | Swampy Ground Assiniboine | Central Alberta / Beaver Hills | Alexis Nakota Sioux / Paul Band |
| Hebina | Rock Mountain People | Rocky Mountains | Stoney Nakoda First Nation |
| Insaombi | The Ones Who Stay Alone | Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan | Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation |
| Wadopabina | Canoe Paddlers | Northern Montana / Southern Alberta | Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes |
| Waziyamwincasta | People of the North | North Saskatchewan River | Mosquito, Grizzly Bear's Head, Lean Man First Nations |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Wood Stoney and Mountain Stoney?
These identities developed based on geographic isolation and environment. The Mountain Stoney-Nakoda (such as the Hebina) moved deep into the Rocky Mountains to escape diseases like smallpox, while the Wood Stoney-Nakoda (such as the Cantonga) settled in forested areas and lake regions like the Beaver Hills.
Who were the "Young Dogs"?
The Young Dogs, or Sahiyaiyeskabi, were ethnically mixed bands of Assiniboine, Plains Cree, and Plains Ojibwe. They are notable for having transitioned from their original mother tongues to speaking Plains Cree.
How did the Cypress Hills Massacre affect Canadian history?
The massacre of Assiniboine people by American wolfers in 1873 highlighted the lack of law and order in the region, directly leading to the creation of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), which later became the RCMP.
Which modern tribes are descendants of these bands?
Descendants are found in several groups, including the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes and Fort Belknap Indian Community in the U.S., as well as the Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, Alexis Nakota Sioux, and Stoney Nakoda First Nations in Canada.
What does the name "Wadopahnatonwan" mean?
The name means "Canoe Paddlers Who Live on the Prairie." They were known to European traders as "Big Devils" due to their reputation as cunning traders and skilled warriors.