Metis, riel, dumont, northwest rebellion, cpr, 1885, canada

1. Northwest Rebellion 1885
The Return of Riel

2. Movement of the Metis
 After the Red River Rebellion of 1869-1870, many
Metis had moved away from their Red River
Settlement, into Saskatchewan and Alberta.
 Some had knowingly sold their ‘scrip’ because they
did not want to remain in Manitoba. They hoped to
continue living in their tradition ways further from
Canadian settlers.
 But with the promised coast to coast railway, it was
only a matter of time before the settlers came west.

3. Dividing the land

4. Arrival of Surveyors
 The Metis recognized that their way of life was
about to be shifted as government surveyors arrived
to map the land, and divide it into plots for ‘new’
settlers.
 The Metis tried to petition the government, once
again under the leadership of John A (Old Tomorrow
– as he was nicknamed). But when their letters
were ignored, they realized that Old Tomorrow was
living up to his nickname, that there would be no
help from Ottawa.

5. Gabriel Dumont
 The Metis leader was Gabriel Dumont. He dreamed
of creating a Metis homeland, and knew there was
only one other man capable of negotiating
successfully with Ottawa to create that homeland.
 So Dumont rode south into the US (Montana), to
find Louis Riel and convince him to return to
Canada for one last fight for the Metis people.
 For the Hollywood – and completely inaccurate
version: North West Mounted Police
1940http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSIMiXR
GpQ8

6. Gabriel Dumont

7. Riel Returns
 Riel agreed to return to Canada with Dumont, but
he is a changed man from the one that led the Red
River Rebellion. He has become deeply
religious, and believes himself to be somewhat of a
prophet.
 Some of his religious goals do not align with solving
the problems faced by the Metis.
 Riel sends the government a revised List of Rights –
known as the Bill of Rights. Asking for a fair deal
for both the Metis and new settlers, Old Tomorrow
ignores their Bill of Rights.

8. Turning to violence
 The Metis were supported by the Cree First
Nations, who hoped to see a positive change for
their people.
 But the Canadian government was pressing forward
with the CPR, and needed the land to sell to settlers
to offset the incredible costs of building the railroad.
 Metis ‘rights’ were of little significance to Ottawa
politicians.
 The NWMP were sent in to quell the ‘rebellion’.

9. Troops en route

10. Battle Begins
 The NWMP met the Metis at Duck Lake, and
negotiation turned to violence, with 2 Metis shot
and 12 NWMP dead.
 At Batoche, 725 Canadian Militia attacked 175
Metis. The Metis held their ground for 3
days, against incredible odds. On May 12, 1885 the
Metis had been defeated.
 Riel is captured, and Dumont escapes to the US.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCVDuyvNp
Hk

11. Historical Implications
 John A was able to send troops west using the existing
CPR lines, resulting in great support for the railway.
 It seemed easier to fight the Metis, rather than negotiate a
peaceful settlement.
 Riel was tried, found guilt of treason, and despite the
judge’s call for clemency, he was hung on November
16, 1885.
 History Minute – Louis Riel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV1ZqCWDdQ0