Personal life Moostoos was born at the western end of
Lesser Slave Lake, as the eldest of ten children of Masinigoneb and Marie Kowikkiu. He was a trapper, fisherman, and later, Chief and Headman of Sucker Creek First Nation. On November 7, 1892, he married Niyaniskipimuttew (Nanette Auger), and they had two sons, and adopted a daughter. Moostoos' negotiation style is described as conciliatory. He stressed the need for peace between indigenous peoples and settlers. It has been suggested this was in part influenced by his relationship with the
Roman Catholic Church and
Father Albert Lacombe, who was present during negotiations. Moostoos is credited with the following quotes from the negotiations:On settler encroachment: “Our country is getting broken up, I see the white man coming in, and I want to be friends. I see what he does, but it is best that we should be friends.” On education for indigenous peoples: “We must know what type of teachers the government intends to give us. Does it mean to impose on us those it likes, or will it take our opinions into account?”A correspondent for the
Edmonton Bulletin, commenting on the speaking skills of Moostoos, reportedly remarked that “he is acknowledged to be the orator of his people in this country and he certainly is.” After negotiations finished, treaty implementation was slow, and Moostoos spent some time advocating for its implementation. In 1900, along with other Cree Headmen, Moostoos requested land for a reserve east of the
Driftpile River on
Lesser Slave Lake. In 1910, reserve land was granted, but was not contiguous between Cree communities involved in the negotiations. Separate reserves were established for
Driftpile first nation and
Sucker Creek first nation. After this, Moostoos served as de facto chief of Sucker Creek Band until his death. He is also known to have been a 'Medicine man' and practiced traditional indigenous healing methods.
Participation in the trial of Charles King In September 1904, members of the Sucker Creek Band reported “some strange things” to a local RCMP officer, who went with Moostoos to investigate a campsite near Sucker Creek. There they discovered the remains of a body, and began an investigation that involved the draining of a nearby slough, and recovered various personal possessions. Prospector Charles King was later charged with the murder. The trial took place in
Edmonton during March 1905. Moostoos and other members of Sucker Creek Band appeared as key witnesses for the crown. The defense council as well as the
Daily Edmonton Bulletin reportedly suggested that members of the Band might have been involved in the killing, despite the absence of evidence to support their position. King was convicted, though a mistrial was later declared. In June 1905, at a second trial, King was convicted again. == References ==