The Metis and the 1870 and 1885 “Rebellions”

Who were the Metis?

• French-Canadian fur traders had spent winters with First Nations in the NW region since 1700s

• Traders began marrying First Nation women • Marriages created social & economic ties • NWC supported the marriages; HBC tried to

stop them

HBC vs NWC

• Competition was fierce and it involved new technologies, alliances with First nations, different trade tactics and the burning down of forts

• Merger eventually occurred as both were bankrupt and fed up with hostilities. Became HBC in 1840.

Map of the Conflict

What was happening prior to 1870?

• Metis had established communities in the Red River area (now southern Manitoba) and were farming the land and hunting Buffalo

• Various HBC and British attempts to colonize the area all failed as the Metis and NWC drove them away

• But in 1860s, fur trade and HBC influence/control declined

• More people moved to area changing balance of cultures • Canadians from Canada West migrated looking for good

farm land.Which farm land do you think they were interested in?

First Rebellion: 1870 and Riel• In spite of objections, surveyors were sent to

Red River area• Turned back by Metis and led by Riel, who was

not opposed to confederation, but wanted Metis rights protected

• A provisional government was set up, after a small armed insurrection, some arrests and an execution

• Confederation achieved but amnesty not granted

The Missing Years: 1870-1881

• Riel goes through numerous mental hospitals in Quebec and eventually moves to Montana and marries

• Meanwhile, without amnesty and the increasing move westward of Protestants and English peoples, Metis eventually pushed further west and protection they had received is slowly eroded

1885 Rebellion

• Upon request from the Metis, Riel returns to Batoche area

• This time, he declares his intentions to create a separate state for the Metis

• But he underestimates three things:• 1) The hatred of him by English Canadians• 2) The nearly completed railway• 3) That many would consider some of his ideas

utterly insane

Riel and Metis lost

• Riel hurt but not dead, and a trial is held where he is found guilty of treason and sentenced to death

• Now viewed as one of the Founders of Canada, and especially of Manitoba

“Rebellion”

Who determines the meaning of these words?• Patriot• Terrorist• Freedom fighter• Guerilla• Rebel• Prophet