History

The name Black Powder comes from a famous Cree Chief’s father Big Bear. The monument read "Mista Muskwa” - Big Bear. The great Cree leader, Chief Big Bear, entered history books as one of Canada's most feared, yet profoundly misunderstood, First Nations leader.

Born about 1825 to the Cree/Ojibwa Chief Black Powder, Chief Big Bear assumed power while still a young man after demonstrating his spiritual power and leadership qualities. Permission was given through ceremony to use the name Black Powder, which is used for Black Powder Singers/ Drummers and Dancers.

The name is also used for Black Powder Teachings, an organization which offers Aboriginal awareness workshops, cross-cultural teachings, drum making workshops, drumming and singing instruction, stories and legends, Aboriginal crafts, and team building exercises using a traditional tipi model.