The Northwest Rebellion

1. The Northwest Rebellion Socials 10 WRCA 2005-06

2. A. Introduction • The Metis moved west in the 1870’s because the Manitoba government made it hard to get title to their land. In the Northwest the Metis continued to press title and financial aid to become farmers. They had no plans to rebel against the government

3. B. Government • Land • The government had its own plans for the lands held by the Metis. • This plan was driven by the high cost of the CPR. • The government knew there was 16 million hectares of land able to be cultivated. • Most of this land was bought by land speculators who sold the land to farmers and gave the government a percentage. • This would give the government $ 71 million. • This was more than had been spent on the railway. • The Government did not want to jeopardize thissource of revenue, by dealing with the Metis

4. Riel Returns • Trouble. • In 1884, Riel, who had lived in Montana, since the Red River Rebellion, returned to Canada. • HE was moved by the plight of the Metis and the natives. • He returned with peaceful intentions, but the government feared another rebellion. • The NWMP determined that 500-1000 Metis and natives were ready to take up arms.

5. b. Treatment of Natives • The railway also affected the governments dealings with natives. • As the cost rose for the CPR the government slashed the budget of the Indian Department. • The promised aid to begin farming never materialized. • Natives were forced to rely on the government for handouts, in order to survive. • The government used food handouts as a form of social control, refusing aid to “troublesome natives. • By 1884 many natives were again facing starvation

6. c. Metis Bill of Rights • Riel, Dumont, and some sympathetic farmers meet to create a document that would deal with Metis grievances. • It was hoped that the Bill of Rights would form the basis for a new province in the Northwest. • The Bill of Rights reflected Metis frustration and their desire to be treated equally. • It was partly based on the Declaration of Independence.

7. The Bill stated that: • Natives are so bad off, farmers are forced to feed them to keep the peace. • The Metis of the Northwest have not received the same land title the Manitoba natives did. • The Metis can not get title to the land they live on. • Settlers are charged tax on building supplies. • Taxes are placed on necessities of life. • There has been no attempt to create a communication link between the Northwest and Europe via the Hudson's Bay. • Settlers can not vote by secret ballot in Elections, causing widespread corruption.

8. d. Tensions Rise • The government was facing a crisis- the CPR was almost bankrupt. • If the army was needed to suppress a rebellion they would need the railway to travel. • McDonald saw an opportunity to put down the rebellion and finish the railway at the same time. • If war broke out the money spent on the railway would be acceptable.

9. By the Spring of 1885, McDonald moved the eastern militia, west. • The Manitoba militia also banned the sale of ammunition to the Northwest Territory. • In early 1885, Riel decided that there could not be a peaceful resolution. • He concluded that the government was determined to make war, and “justice commands us to take up arms. • He demanded the surrender of Fort Carlton