The Northwest Rebellion

Background Métis -resented government treatment of lands Natives -plagued by smallpox -lands taken away -sold substandard goods -resented destruction of buffalo herds -treaties not adhered to Settlers -wanted gov't economic assistance -poor markets for goods -wanted representation in Government

Native Complaints Gov't -Indian Department funds cut back -rations and supplies reduced RESULT Natives -starving Salteaux raid Gov't food storehouse

Métis Petitions 1881: Métis petition gov't for assistance want legal ownership of the land want long river lots, not square townships farming assistance needed Others share Métis concerns European farmers and First Nations unhappy as well

The Government’s Agenda Government wants to sell land in North-West Territories for profit Some land already occupied by Métis and settlers Government needs money for building of the railway Reduced assistance to those that were “difficult” Slashed Dept. of Indian Affairs budget Métis and First Nations getting upset, desperate

Louis Riel Returns Spring 1884: Métis decide they need a leader to get gov’t to pay attention to petitions Seek out Louis Riel in Montana Riel in Exile Turned to religion (chosen by God to lead the Métis) Spent time in an asylum because of mental illness Became a teacher and had a family Riel agrees to return to Canada for the Métis

Riel’s Back in Town Riel helps write the Métis Bill of Rights Outlined grievances of Métis and others in the NWT Very detailed, reflected Métis frustration Sent to government in Dec. 1884 Government doesn’t ignore it like the other petitions Promise to look it over Métis are pleased with the progress, so far…