The Northwest Rebellion and the Trial of Louis

The Northwest Rebellion and the Trial of Louis Riel

Northwest Rebellion Map

The Rebellion Begins Spring 1885: Manitoba militia starts moving into the Northwest Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West Territories bans the sale of ammunition, leaving the Metis without weapons in the event of a rebellion March 19, 1885: Louis Riel addressed the Metis at St. Laurent telling them that a peaceful resolution was impossible and that the Canadian government was determined to make war with the Metis

“Justice commands us to take up arms” Demanded the surrender of Fort Carlton Skirmish between Metis and NWMP near Duck Lake resulted in Crozier and his men retreating to Fort Carlton 5000 Canadian troops deployed to contain the rebellion 1600 militia fight with Gabriel Dumont and 60 Metis at Fish Creek, near Batoche.

Battle at Fish Creek

Was this fair?

Battle of Batoche

Battle of Batoche 725 militia attacked 175 Metis held their ground for 3 days before being defeated May 15, 1885: Louis Riel is captured; Gabriel Dumont escapes to the United States Aboriginal leaders who took part in the rebellion were tracked down and arrested Pardoned or given short prison terms

Riel Captured

How did the government fail to recognize that the rebellion was an act of Aboriginal desperation? Government view them as “wayward children” who had been misled by Louis Riel, rather than people driven to desperate actions as a result of their situation Riel charged with high treason High treason: a crime that undermines the offender's government (taking up arms against the Canadian government)

Trial of Louis Riel Treason was punishable by death July 1885: Trial begins Represented by three lawyers from Quebec who wanted him to plead insanity Six-man jury of English Protestants Riel fought for his people and placed responsibility on the Canadian government Riel was found guilty and hanged on November 16, 1885

Riel on Trial