The Confederation of Manitoba Canadian Expansions Plans and

The Confederation of Manitoba Canadian Expansions Plans and Metis Resistance

Canadian Expansion Plans The British North America Act of 1867 created the Dominion of Canada with four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick Also included the colonies of: Newfoundland, PEI, and British Columbia (& Rupert’s Land the North-Western Territory)

Why the West? Population in the Dominion of Canada was growing rapidly and most of the good agricultural land was already taken. Reported that the West had excellent agricultural potential Fears that the United States would annex Rupert’s Land

The Red River Valley Many independent First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples lived across Rupert’s land the North-Western Territory. Most of the population in the settlement along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers was Metis. Also HBC employees, Scottish farmers, and French Canadians

Changes at Red River Merger between HBC and the North West Company resulted in half the employees losing their jobs in the fur trade. Some of these employees settled in RR Decline of Bison Herds Turned to farming and selling produce Sold to HBC Traded with the US as well

Orangemen • Dr. John Schultz led a group of English speaking settlers from Ontario to RR • Thought that Rupert’s Land should be part of Canada. • Many were members of the Orange Order • These men were: • Anti-Catholic • Anti-French

Transfer of Rupert’s Land April 1869 - Reached a deal to transfer Rupert’s Land to the Dominion of Canada Never consulted with First Nations, Metis, or Inuit peoples. Britain agreed to transfer Rupert’s Land to Canada on Dec 1, 1869 PM Macdonald expected the HBC to conclude issues related to land title with its residents but they did not attempt to resolve these issues