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LAWS OF ST. LAURENT
The Metis formed a list of laws, they “Laws of St. Laurent”. The laws created a system that helped the metis' to survive. The Laws of St. Laurent were made due to the rapidly decreasing number of buffalo in 1873. The Metis established a written system of enforceable guidelines for both the hunting and the preservation of the remaining buffalo herds. The people became desperate and did not obey the law. This was one of the first things that led to the Metis moving towards a rebellion. -
INDIAN ACT WAS ESTABLISHED
It was established in the attempt to combine all existing laws that . The first nations were forced to live on the land the government provided as title to the land still belonged to the Crown. They were expected to settle down and learn to become farmers.First Nations were allowed no self-governing powers thus creating tension between the government and the First Nations. -
LOUIS RIEL RETURNS TO CANADA
Louis Riel was invited to Canada by four Métis, Gabriel Dumont, Moïse Ouellette, Michel Dumas and James Isbister. The four men asked him to represent the metis community to the Canadian government as they were being threatened by the settlers and immigrants. The metis borders were disappearing, their rights were being disrespected, their lands were being taken . After hearing of the situation Riel thought it was necessary to cooperate them. -
BATTLE OF DUCK LAKE
The Northwest Rebellion began west of the settlement of Duck Lake on the old Carlton Trail. The exchange began in a civil manner when the Metis met with the NWMP in an attempt to negotiate. The battle itself happened by accident. This was the first hostile exchange between the Métis and federal government’s military forces. This whole ordeal was the first real violent outbreak in the Northwest rebellion. -
FROG LAKE MASSACRE
It was a part of the North West Rebellion uprising. This turned out to be one of the most influential event in the North-West Resistance. It was more like a hunger and mistreatment rather than a political cause. A group of Cree took white settlers hostage and tried to take control of the rest of the community which they succeeded.This event created turbulence in the Canadian Government as the Rebellion took a more violent turn. -
BATTLE OF FISH CREEK
The battle began quick and lasted six and a half hours. Middleton’s forces had suffered approximately 10 deaths and 40 wounded. The Métis casualties were four dead, one wounded. This event was significant due to the fact that this was government’s first real act in the rebellion and it showed their concern. -
BATTLE OF CUT KNIFE
The Cree used a limited number of men. After 6 hours of fighting, Otter retreated as Cree Chief Poundmaker held the warriors back. Eight of Otter's force died, and 5 or 6 natives were killed. The battle took place on the Poundmaker Reserve. it is about 40 km west of Battleford in Saskatchewan. This event was significant because of the fact that was marked the last time government forces were defeated during the NorthWest Rebellion. -
THE BATTLE OF BATCOHE
The Battle of Batoche was considered a very cataclysmic event. It was a very small that there was less than 300 Métis and Aboriginal people and faced the 800-strong North West Field Force, commanded by Middleton. Middleton planned to draw the Métis toward a small force. The plan worked and the fight was over. The Métis retreated. This was a significant point in the Northwest Rebellion because this battle led to the metis leader surrendering and initially ended the rebellion. -
RIEL ON TRIAL
After being charged with high treason Louis Riel was sent to court. The trial opened on July 20th and lasted four days with Riel pleading not guilty.Riel was so against this strategy that his lawyers had the judge rule that he did not have permission to speak. Towards the end of the trial, Riel was allowed to speak.Riel insisted that he was not insane and he did not want to be acquitted by reason of insanity. After Riels statement it took the jury less than four hours to reach a guilty verdict. -
EXECUTION OF LOUIS RIEL
When the council was unable to pronounce Louis Riel insane. Riel received a visit from his family and he wrote his will. A funeral service took place at St. Mary's Church in Regina.
