Little Bear’s life story is a complex narrative full of adventure, adversity and survival. Little Bear was one of the two sons of Cree headman, Big Bear, and consequently he observed in detail the manner in which his father’s resistance to Canadian Indian Policy had been heroic but costly.
Using the media player above, listen to the audio commentary by David Miller (14m 18s)
James Henderson
Chief Little Bear (ayimâsis), c. 1924
oil on wood panel
22.9 x 19 cm
Collection of the Glenbow-Alberta Institute, Glenbow Museum, Calgary, AB.
T. Charmbury
Imasees, Little Bear, Cree., ca. 1885
Archival Photograph
Courtesy of the Glenbow-Alberta Institute, Glenbow Museum, Calgary, AB.
I am trying to determine if this is the Chief Little Bear who inscribed a pipe I have. It is inscribed with the date 1892 in Cheyenne City, South Dakota. I am trying to research him and hopefully gift back the pipe to the proper tribe or descendant.
If you know if this could be the correct Little Bear, kindly let me know.
Thank you.
I am a third generation direct descendant of Imasees (Little Bear) from Rocky Boy Reservation our family has been searching over fifty years for that Peace Pipe and would be greaty in debted to you for it’s safe return.
I am searching for information about Chief Little Bear’s two daughters Isabelle and Lysa. Lysa married Patrick Lamere in Battleford Canada and moved to Montana around 1897. If anyone can help document Lysa’s relationship with her father, I would greatly appreciate it.
I am looking for information about Big Bear’s HBC brass beaded bearclaw necklace and the large blue bead he wore for protection. Could you please enlighten me.
that pipe should have been taken to ceremony to ask where it belongs and where it goes…. hope you find the right home for it…
I have a Chief Little Bear in my ancestry and am trying to find out more about him. He lived here in OK, for a time, in the Osage reservation. He is buried in ST. Paul KS. If you can tell me anything about him I would appreciate it. He had a daughter called Fanny that married Simeon Emery. Their son Samuel married my grAunts daughter.
Thank you for your time.
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
I’ve passed you inquiry along to one of the exhibition researchers. She may have more information for you. All the best,
Troy Gronsdahl
I have Cree Chief Big Bear’s HBC brass beaded bearclaw necklace and the blue bead that he wore for protection. I am searching for a family member to talk to about this. Please contact me. Thanking you in advance . . .