1. Métis and FN in the Northwest, Riel Returns, Métis Bill of Rights
Northwest rebellion

2. Métis in the Northwest Territories
1884 losing patience with Canadian Government
Unclear status under the Indian Act
Not part of the treaty process
Increasing immigration of settlers
Feared loss of rights

3. First Nations Starving
Government broke promises about providing food after the buffalo were all but killed off.
would not give it to people who they saw as troublemakers.
Farming on reservation land was unsuccessful

4.     “They made us many promises, more than I can remember, but they kept only one; they promised to take our land, and they did.”
Chief Red Cloud

5. Creating Allies Under a Common Enemy
First Nations came to the Métis and settlers for help and aid
The Métis and settlers angry as they felt they had to pay for the government’s broken promises.

6. Canadian Government Agenda
Surveys told the government that million hectares of land
= 71 million dollars in government revenue
NO Métis petition was going to stand in the way

7. Métis take action to protect both their rights and the rights of Aboriginals in Canada!

8. Where is riel? After Red River Sent into exile 5 years, lasted 15
Turned to religion
Convinced himself that he is a prophet
Spent time in an asylum
Settled in Montana
Married, 2 kids, teacher

9. Return of the king! 1884 Métis needed a strong and iconic leader
Gabriel Dumont asked Riel to return as the Métis Leader

10. Métis Bill of rights
A Bill sent to the Federal Government that addressed Métis grievances
Included concerns of Métis and non-Métis people living in the Northwest Territories
Sent to Ottawa Dec and acknowledged by government but rights ignored!

11. Did the Government Want a Rebellion?
A rebellion would prove that the Métis and Aboriginals were violent and unruly and required government control

12. Crushing the rebellion would:
Did the Government Want a Rebellion?
Crushing the rebellion would:
prove the value of and need for the CPR
Free up Métis land for settlement
Ensure Métis did not gain land rights

14. Government Prepares for Rebellion
The government passed a law making it illegal to sell bullets to the Métis living in the Northwest Territories.

15. Government Prepares for Rebellion
HBC Chief Factor and Magistrate Lawrence Clarke became the government’s informant
Feared lose everything if Métis granted land rights

16. The Final Straw!
Riel sent Clarke as their representative to Ottawa with one last petition
Returned with the message:
“The only answer the Métis will receive for their petition was bullets”
Clarke lied and said 500 NWMP sent to arrest Riel

17. Justice Commands us!
March 19 Riel at Batoche rallied his followers for battle
Peaceful solution impossible
Canadian government determined to make war
“justice commands us to take up arms”

18. Battle of Duck Lake May
Métis moved on Fort Carlton to seize supplies
NWMP Superintendent Lief Crozier confronted Métis army at Duck Lake
Negotiations failed- 2 Métis shot!
Both sides open fire

19. Métis Victory at Duck Lake
Métis were better marksmen and knew the land better…they were victorious at Duck Lake.
12 NWMP dead, 25 wounded
Fort Carlton evacuated

20. Empire STRIKES BACK! Canadian government mobilized 5000 troops
Troops arrive in just 5 days! Entire force in 10 days!- Thanks CPR
General Middleton in charge

21. Battle of fish creek
Dumont knew to ambush Canadian troops before they reached Batoche
Ambushed at Fish Creek
300 Métis stopped militia soldiers

23. Gatling Gun

24. Slipping?
Riel said that God himself was talking to him and telling him he was “the chosen leader of the Métis people”.
During battles, he would find a hill and climb to the top, hold a crucifix over his head to bless the Métis soldiers.

25. Battle of Batoche May 9
Métis stronghold- Batoche attacked by Canadian troops
Had canons and Gatling Gun
Métis short on bullets and used rocks

26. Battle of Batoche Métis defeated- surrender or flee
Dumont fled to the US
Riel surrendered May 15- thought trial could bring his cause to attention
Death toll
53 Canadian soldiers and volunteers
35 Métis and First Nations

27. Trial of Riel July 28 1885 Taken to Regina and charged with treason
Lawyers wanted Insane defense
Riel wanted to argue Métis forced to fight
Not allowed to testify or question witnesses
6 man jury

29. Found Guilty of Treason August 1
Found guilty after 1 hour- jury recommended mercy
Law required death penalty
Quebec petitions demanded mercy
Hanged November

30. Aftermath for Métis and First Nations
No land titles, forced to squat on public land reserved for roads
Half-breed became an insult
Moved into cities to hide ancestry
81 charged with murder or treason- 44 convicted
No translation in court
8 hanged for murder in Battleford November 17
At the mercy of the government

31. Hero or villain?