 Happy with the men's promises to remain loyal, officials stated that they would provide protection and supplies to their people in the case of evacuation.Despite being asked multiple times by Riel to join his forces, the men stayed true to their words and remained neutral throughout this troubled time.Ahtahkakoop died 4 December 1896 at the age of about 80 years, struck by what is believed to have been a heart attack while out on a walk with his grandson Pacī (James Starblanket).