The Metis and the 1870 and 1885 Rebellions

The Metis and the 1870 and 1885 “Rebellions”

Who were the Metis? • French-Canadian fur traders had spent winters with First Nations in the NW region since 1700 s • Traders began marrying First Nation women • Marriages created social & economic ties • NWC supported the marriages; HBC tried to stop them

HBC vs NWC • Competition was fierce and it involved new technologies, alliances with First nations, different trade tactics and the burning down of forts • Merger eventually occurred as both were bankrupt and fed up with hostilities. Became HBC in 1840.

Map of the Conflict

What was happening prior to 1870? • Metis had established communities in the Red River area (now southern Manitoba) and were farming the land hunting Buffalo • Various HBC and British attempts to colonize the area all failed as the Metis and NWC drove them away • But in 1860 s, fur trade and HBC influence/control declined • More people moved to area changing balance of cultures • Canadians from Canada West migrated looking for good farm land. Which farm land do you think they were interested in?

First Rebellion: 1870 and Riel • In spite of objections, surveyors were sent to Red River area • Turned back by Metis and led by Riel, who was not opposed to confederation, but wanted Metis rights protected • A provisional government was set up, after a small armed insurrection, some arrests and an execution • Confederation achieved but amnesty not granted

The Missing Years: 1870 -1881 • Riel goes through numerous mental hospitals in Quebec and eventually moves to Montana and marries • Meanwhile, without amnesty and the increasing move westward of Protestants and English peoples, Metis eventually pushed further west and protection they had received is slowly eroded

1885 Rebellion • Upon request from the Metis, Riel returns to Batoche area • This time, he declares his intentions to create a separate state for the Metis • But he underestimates three things: • 1) The hatred of him by English Canadians • 2) The nearly completed railway • 3) That many would consider some of his ideas utterly insane

Riel and Metis lost • Riel hurt but not dead, and a trial is held where he is found guilty of treason and sentenced to death • Now viewed as one of the Founders of Canada, and especially of Manitoba

“Rebellion” Who determines the meaning of these words? • Patriot • Terrorist • Freedom fighter • Guerilla • Rebel • Prophet