1. Resistance and rebellion
Louis Riel
Resistance and rebellion

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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, formed the Comite national des Metis to oppose Canadian presence in Red River

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. The manitoba act May 12, 1870- Manitoba bill passed
July 15, 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 the federal government granted amnesty to Riel
Banished for 5 years
Moved to Montana
1883- became a schoolteacher

12. 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”

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

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

15. 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 a delegation of Metis people went to Montana to find Louis Riel

16. 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)

17. 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)

18. 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

19. 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.