Tongafa History - Louis Riel Pt. 2, The North-West Rebellion

Summary

After the Red River Rebellion, Métis and Aboriginal peoples in Canada faced continued discrimination and land disputes. In the 1880s, tensions escalated in Saskatchewan, where Métis and Cree, led by figures like Louis Riel and Big Bear, rebelled against the Canadian government. The conflict, marked by key battles like Duck Lake and Batoche, was fueled by government land seizures and broken treaties. Despite initial victories, the rebellion was crushed by the Canadian military, leading to the execution of Riel and the defeat of the Métis and Cree forces, marking the end of the last Aboriginal revolt in Canadian history.

Takeaways

• 😀 After the Red River Rebellion, Métis in Manitoba gained new rights but still faced discrimination and unfulfilled promises from the Canadian government.
• 😀 Many Métis and half-French, half-Aboriginal people moved to Saskatchewan to avoid increasing settlement by white British Canadians.
• 😀 The Canadian government began surveying Métis and Aboriginal land in Saskatchewan in 1882, which sparked tensions and led to another rebellion led by Louis Riel in 1884.
• 😀 The Cree and Assiniboine tribes, led by Big Bear, also became frustrated with the Canadian government for breaking treaties and stealing their land, joining forces with the Métis.
• 😀 The Canadian government formed the Northwest Mounted Police (Mounties) after the Red River Rebellion to patrol less inhabited areas and manage tensions with the Métis.
• 😀 In early 1885, tensions escalated with small skirmishes in Saskatchewan, culminating in the Battle of Duck Lake, where Métis forces defeated a Canadian military column.
• 😀 The Canadian government mobilized a larger military force from eastern Canada, including under-equipped and inexperienced troops, which delayed their deployment.
• 😀 The Cree, led by Big Bear, raided white outposts and took hostages during the Frog Lake Massacre in late March 1885, causing further conflict.
• 😀 The Métis won several victories against Canadian forces, including the Battle of Fish Creek and the Battle of Cut Knife, despite being outnumbered and under-equipped.
• 😀 The decisive battle occurred on May 9th, 1885, at Batoche, where Canadian forces, despite superior numbers and artillery, struggled to defeat the Métis, leading to a prolonged standoff.
• 😀 Ultimately, the Métis were forced to retreat, and after several defeats, the rebellion was crushed, with Louis Riel captured and executed. The rebellion marked the end of major Indigenous resistance in Canadian history.

Q & A

What were the reasons the Métis felt their rights were not being fulfilled after the Red River Rebellion?

The Métis, a group of half-French, half-Aboriginal people, felt discriminated against and believed the government was not fulfilling their rights, particularly in terms of land and political recognition.

Why did the Métis move from Manitoba to Saskatchewan?

The Métis moved to Saskatchewan to escape the increasing presence of white British Canadians and the threat to their land rights, settling in Cree and Assiniboine territories where the land was less developed and not yet claimed by the Canadian government.

What sparked the Métis rebellion in Saskatchewan in 1884?

The Métis rebellion in 1884 was sparked when the Canadian government sold the town of St. Louis, which was settled by the Métis, to a British colonization company without their consent, leading the Métis to fear for the future of their land.

What role did Louie Riel play in the Métis rebellion of 1884?

Louie Riel, who had fled to the United States after the Red River Rebellion, returned in 1884 to lead the Métis in another rebellion against the Canadian government in Saskatchewan, aiming to protect their rights and land.

How did the Cree and Assiniboine nations become involved in the rebellion?

The Cree and Assiniboine, led by Big Bear, were frustrated with the Canadian government for breaking treaties and seizing their land. They joined the Métis in the rebellion after a series of unresolved grievances and injustices.

What was the role of the Northwest Mounted Police (Mounties) during the rebellion?

The Northwest Mounted Police (Mounties) were formed after the Red River Rebellion to patrol less populated areas of Canada, but they were despised by the Métis and faced challenges in quelling the growing unrest in Saskatchewan.

What was the significance of the Battle of Duck Lake in 1885?

The Battle of Duck Lake on March 26, 1885, was significant because the Métis, led by Gabriel Dumont, defeated a Canadian force of about 100 men, despite being outnumbered and having fewer resources. This victory boosted the Métis and Native morale.

What happened during the Frog Lake Massacre?

On March 30, 1885, Cree warriors raided white outposts, capturing and killing several white settlers. The event, known as the Frog Lake Massacre, was part of a larger uprising led by Big Bear, which resulted in the capture of townspeople as hostages.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Batoche?

The Battle of Batoche, which began on May 9, 1885, was a turning point in the rebellion. Despite initial resistance from the Métis, the Canadian forces, led by Frederick Middleton, eventually overran the Métis defenses due to superior artillery, ammunition shortages, and depleted supplies on the Métis side.

What were the consequences for Louie Riel after the rebellion?

After the rebellion was crushed, Louie Riel was captured, put on trial for treason, and executed by the Canadian government. His execution marked the end of the Métis resistance in Canada and symbolized the government's firm control over the region.