1. The Red River Rebellion
Canadian History

2. Canada

3. 1867 Confederation…Review
US Expansion
Manifest Destiny
Newly formed Canadian gvt had to act with a new policy regarding settling the West
Expanding farming population in Ontario
Western Canada open for settlement

4. Important Concepts
Rupert’s Land: watershed of the Hudson Bay in which the HBC operated the fur trade
Northwest Territories: area formed in 1869 when the Hudson Bay Co sold most of its land to the Canadian Govt.
Red River Settlement: area around Fort Gary(present day Winnipeg)
Metis: people of mixed heritage (European & Native) who lived at the Red River Settlement
Louis Riel: Leader of the Metis

6. Canada

7. Canada’s Westward Expansion
With the creation of the NWT, the Canadian Govt. possessed a lot of land in the west (excellent farmland)
In June 1869 the Canadian Govt. sent surveyors onto the farms of Metis at Red River (six months before possession date)

8. The Metis Settlers at Red River
People of Mixed heritage (Aboriginal and European)
Had a distinct culture that was a blend of European & Native ways
Played an important role in the early fur trade
Were not consulted about the transfer of Rupert’s Land from the HBC to the Canadian govt.

9. Rebellion Background
The arrival of government surveyors worried the Metis:
Land would be surveyed into large squares ending their traditional narrow river farms
Had no papers to proved they owned the land
Railroad construction would affect the buffalo
Influx of English speaking Protestants

10. Rebellion Background
The Metis met to discuss the problem facing them & chose Louis Riel as their leader
Riel stopped the Canadian govt surveyors who came to Red River to measure the land
The Rebellion was about to begin:

11. Canada a People’s History
The Red River Rebellion

12. Metis Bill of Rights Territory must become a new province
Be represented by four members in Ottawa
Control local affairs
French/English in schools/courts
Metis customs & traditions must be protected