The Cree moccasin represents Cree Peoples and the broader Indigenous presence across Treaty 4 territory, including Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Dene, and Métis communities whose relationships to the Prairies are carried through movement, kinship, ceremony, trade, governance, and responsibility to land. In the Moccasin Identifier collection, this moccasin is connected to Regina, Saskatchewan, and Treaty 4, signed in 1874.
This moccasin reflects Plains design knowledge shaped by prairie movement, land-based relationships, and changing materials. It is described as a two-piece, high-ankle wraparound moccasin with a soft sole bottom sewn to the upper piece, made from smoked moose hide leather with fully beaded uppers. The added soft leather extends from the cuff up the ankle, creating a high wraparound shape secured with leather ties.
Materially and artistically, this Cree moccasin carries both function and spiritual expression. The wool cuff features a beaded Western Red Lily floral motif with beaded dot trim, while the long tongue is sewn into the centre point of the upper. Geometric patterns of triangles and angled lines repeat around the upper. Plains-style moccasins are often highly decorative, with distinct designs created to reflect geometric symbolism, natural elements, spiritual meaning, and the purpose of use.
This moccasin also teaches about Treaty 4, also known as the Qu’Appelle Treaty, signed in 1874 at Fort Qu’Appelle. Treaty 4 is part of the Numbered Treaties, which were made during a period of major change as Canada expanded westward, newcomers moved onto First Nations lands, disease affected many communities, and the buffalo — central to food, clothing, and Plains life — were disappearing. The Treaty Summary explains that First Nations leaders entered treaty discussions to protect their people and future generations during these changes.
From a First Nations perspective, the Numbered Treaties were understood as sacred agreements to share the land and live peacefully together, not as the sale or surrender of land. Treaty discussions included ceremony and spoken promises, which carried deep meaning and responsibility. First Nations leaders were promised support such as food, medicine, schools, farming tools, and the continued ability to hunt, fish, and trap. Many of these spoken promises were not fully reflected in the written documents, creating lasting differences in understanding and long-term harm.
For visitors today, this moccasin reminds us that Cree presence in Treaty 4 territory is ancient and ongoing. Through its smoked moose hide, Western Red Lily beadwork, geometric patterns, wraparound construction, and leather ties, the Cree moccasin reflects resilience, movement, beauty, and prairie knowledge. In the context of the Moccasin Identifier, it invites learners to understand Treaty 4 not only as a historical agreement, but as a living relationship rooted in land, ceremony, responsibility, respect, and the importance of keeping promises.
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada.
