Resistance and rebellion Louis Riel Resistance and rebellion

Where did we leave off? Transfer of Rupert’s Land to Canada Families who had lived at Red River for several generations were left with an uncertain future

What happened next? William Mcdougall sent a survey team to Red River Wanted to establish boundary markers to prepare for immigrants Survey crews trespassed on farms and did not inform residents what they were doing Survey crew only spoke English

The comite national des metis Andre Nault tried to prevent surveyors from working on his land When the surveyors ignored him, a group of Nault’s neighbors (including his cousin, Louis Riel) stepped in. The group declared that the Dominion of Canada had no right to survey Red River without permission from its residents On October 19, 1869- formed the Comite national des Metis to oppose Canadian presence in Red River

The comite takes charge Mcdougall and officials tried to enter Red River from the United States They were kicked out. Comite called upon all parishes- French and English to elect representatives to discuss their strategy Macdonald wanted to delay the land transfer so they could investigate the problems Mcdougall rode across the border anyways- proclaimed Rupert’s land for Canada and left. No one had control of Canada.

Provisional government Mcdougall’s actions prompted the Comite to create a list of demands Formed a Provisional Government with Louis Riel as its president Were not willing to recognize Canadian authority until their rights were guaranteed.

thomas scott Thomas Scott was an Orangeman who tried to take over Red River Provisional Government found him guilty of treason Executed by firing squad Public opinion remained divided: Ontario- against execution Quebec- Riel was a hero

The manitoba act May 12, 1870- Manitoba bill passed July 15, 1870- Act would take effect Provisional Gov’t voted to accept the terms Guaranteed: Elected Gov’t Schools run by churches Bilingualism 1.4 million acres of land Metis could keep their

The Reign of terror After Manitoba became a province, Macdonald sent soldiers from Canada. Why would he do this? Manitoba needed troops like the rest of Canada People in Ontario were angry about the death of Thomas Scott and were determined to punish members of the provisional government

A bloody mess Many members of the provisional government were warned and left the settlement The militia beat, threatened, and harassed any Metis people they encountered On Sept.13, 1870, militia members attacked and killed Elzear Goulet because he was a member the court that convicted Scott. No one was punished for his death. Violence against the Metis continued until 1872

Riel big challenges After Manitoba entered Confederation, Riel feared for his life and spent almost all his time in hiding Won a by-election in 1873 to enter politics In Feb. 1875 the federal government granted amnesty to Riel Banished for 5 years Moved to Montana 1883- became a schoolteacher

Racism against the metis Thousands of settlers arrived from Canada to stake their claim to land Metis people were greatly outnumbered Those who were unable to “pass” as Euro-Canadians were labelled as “half-breeds”

The metis leave Many metis people leave manitoba Moved to the united states, alberta, and saskatchewan

Cause and consequence Why did the Metis population leave Manitoba? What were the consequences of this dispersal?

Uh oh… here we go again! The problems that the Metis experienced in Manitoba were happening again in Saskatchewan: Decline of Metis jobs Land surveyors were coming in ignoring the Metis river lots Canadian government had begun building the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Land speculators began acquiring land for the CPR Non-Aboriginal immigrants began arriving and staking claim to the land June 1884- a delegation of Metis people went to Montana to find Louis Riel

The north-west resistance The Metis needed Riel’s help Wrote a petition outlining grievances and demands The government in Ottawa acknowledged the petition but would only agree to look into the problems Riel took over a church in Batoche and declared a provisional government Riel wrote a Bill of Rights (like the one from 1869)

Groups that are watching closely Immigrants interested in settling in the area Canadian Government Non-Metis Aboriginals Orangemen Land Speculators from Toronto (People who make money from buying and selling the land)

In your group… Read the Bill of Rights, 1885 Highlight the words and phrases that your group would find important Be prepared to justify your answers

Next… Answer the following questions: What would your group like about the Bill? Why? What would your group not like? Why? How would the group you represent respond? Elect one member from your group to be the scribe.