1. The Northwest Rebellion

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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…