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HBC Sells Rupert's Land
(exact date unknown) The Hudson's Bay Company sells Rupert's Land to the Canadian Government for 1.5 million dollars. They did not consider the people who already lived on the settlement and the deal angered the Metis. The government renamed Rupert's Land and it became the North-West Territories. -
Surveyors Begin to Survey Metis Land
Surveyors change land division from long strips to square township lots. This angers the Metis because the suveyors are assuming that the current occupants do not own property. -
Louis Riel Stops Surveyors
Louis Riel Jr. forms the Metis National Committee to fight for Metis concerns. -
Riel Captures Fort Garry
The Metis take over an HBC trading post known as Fort Garry and set up a provisional government. -
McDougall arrives
William McDougall arrives to govern the new territory but is stopped and chased away by the Metis. -
Land Transfer Postponed
HBC land transfer is postponed because of uncertainty surrounding the Metis and the Red River Settlement. -
Canadians Attack Fort Garry
Led by Thomas Scott, a group of armed Canadians attempt to attack Fort Garry but are caught and are taken prisoner by Riel. -
Prisoners Escape
Twelve prisoners, including Thomas Scott and Charles Mair, escape prison in Fort Garry. -
Donald A. Smith is Sent to the Settlement
John A. Macdonald sends Donald A. Smith to the Red River settlement to explain to the Metis how Canada intend to govern their colony and to report back to Ottawa on what the Metis
want. -
Smith Returns
Donald A. Smith returns to Ottawa with the Metis' Bill of Rights. -
Thomas Scott is Executed
One of the most threatening prisoners at the time, Thomas Scott was put on trial and was sentenced to death by firing squad. Riel wanted Canada to pay attention to the Metis' wishes. -
Scott's Death Reaches Ontario
Outraged, people demand that Riel should be hung for Thomas Scott's murder. -
Manitoba is Formed
The Red River settlement is named Manitoba and joins theConfederation after Riel’s provisional government comes to an agreement with Ottawa. -
Riel Flees to the USA
Ontarian troops decide to avenge Scott’s death by killing Metis who had been involved with his sentencing.
Riel leaves by horseback for the United States immediately.
