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Louis Riel ‘Listen to Us’. Background. The Metis : moved from the Red River area after 1875, still dissatisfied with the survey system The settlers: high cost of living, problems, poor markets, no responsible government out west
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Background • The Metis : moved from the Red River area after 1875, still dissatisfied with the survey system • The settlers: high cost of living, problems, poor markets, no responsible government out west • The Treaties: The natives were starving, gov’t slashed funds in 1883 due to depression • Riel: asked to return to help his people
Riel • Talks to the people • 1884 ; Petition of rights • ‘land title’ a real concern • Macdonald ignores Riel • NWMP concerned about Riel’s approach and situation
Riel was not sure if the English-speaking White settlers would want to hear him speak. Then, the leading priest in that part of the country, Father Andre, wrote to him. Father Andre lived in Prince Albert, a town of mainly White people. Father Andre's letter said: • So you must come; you are the most popular man in the country and everyone awaits you with impatience. I have only to say to you: come, come quickly.11 • Riel went and spoke to a crowd of about five hundred people. After this, Father Andre reported: • There was a mass meeting, such as Prince Albert had never seen; people came from everywhere, and they went back struck with the quiet and gentle way he spoke to them.