During a tumultuous period of transition, this nehiyaw (Plains Cree) chief sought better terms for his people and called on Canada to fulfill its obligations under Treaty 6. A spokesman with ties to several reserves, pihtokahanapiwiyin saw his diplomatic efforts frustrated when violence broke out across the Prairies in 1885. He was drawn into the North-West Resistance when Lieutenant-Colonel Otter’s troops attacked his peaceful camp near Cut Knife Hill. Although he worked to prevent bloodshed and even surrendered on 26 May to defuse tension, he was nevertheless imprisoned as a rebel. Illness led to his early release, but he died shortly thereafter. He was exonerated in 2019.

Outstanding Cree chief and spokesman, he sought better treaty terms for the bands of this area. During the 1885 Rebellion he repulsed Lt-Col. Otter's attack on his reserve at Cut Knife but exercised restraint upon his followers. Imprisoned as a rebel, he died in Alberta after his early release.