The year was 1885. The year that Canada decided to hang 8 men side by side. These men were accused of murder. None of them were afforded legal representation and neither English nor French was their mother tongue. This would be the largest mass execution in Canada's history.
Some will know the names of these 8 men. Few will remember the incident that occurred on November 27, 1885. They were buried in an unmarked grave.
Some made speeches, half in the shade
Some apologetic, all unafraid
They swung so high, their death chants defiant.
Through the northwestern sky, till their song became silent.
Their names were: Wandering Spirit, Little Bear, Walking In The Sky, Bad Arrow, Miserable Man, Iron Body, Crooked Leg, Man Without Blood.
They are remembered.
YOU ARE READING
SONG IN THE WIND.
Non-FictionLargest mass execution in Canadian history. North Battleford, 1885.