125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 125

Chapter 9 The North-West Mounted Massacre!

1 June 1873 , N.W.T. American wolf hunters today attacked a band of in the Cypress Hills. An American wolfer falsely accused Chief Little Soldier’s WANTED people of stealing a in Montana. The Americans came north looking Men to Join the Newly-Formed for revenge. The drunken wolfers burst into the Assiniboine camp, NORTH-WEST killing 36 men, women, and children. It turned out that the missing horse MOUNTED POLICE had just wandered away. Even before this incident, Must be active men of sound health between Aboriginal peoples resented the the ages of 18 and 40, at least 183 cm in height, American hunters. These wolfers use and of fine character. Should be able to read strychnine to poison their prey. This and write in either French or English and be poisoned bait is often eaten by good riders. Aboriginal people’s dogs. The dogs TERM: 3 YEARS then die agonizing deaths. The American traders are also despised by PAY: Constables $1.00 a day many here because they bring Sub-constables .75 a day another kind of poison. They sell With free room and meals, clothing, cheap liquor known as “firewater” to boots, kit, fuel, lighting. Aboriginal peoples. Sixty-four hectares of land after Because of incidents like the Cypress Hills Massacre, the Canadian 3 years good service government will be forced to act. All transportation for those in service paid Sooner or later, Macdonald will have for by the Government. to find a way to bring law and order to the North-West!

Reflecting/Predicting 1. Why do you think it was difficult to keep law and order in the North-West of the 1870s? 2. What was John A. Macdonald’s solution? List what you think the main duties of the North-West Mounted Police would be. 3. If you were there at the time, would you be willing to join the Mounted Police? Why or why not?

125 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 126

126 Unit 2: The Development of Western

The Need for Police Some people took advantage of this situation to For years, people in the North-West had com- sell whisky to Aboriginal people at outrageous plained about the number of outlaws and illegal prices. whisky traders in the area. It was against the A place nicknamed Fort Whoop-Up was law to sell whisky. However, there was no the centre of this outlaw activity. It stood near police force in the region to enforce the law. the present-day city of , Alberta. The people who lived there were mostly American smugglers and traders. They flew the American flag over the fort, even though it was Canadian territory. The situation in the West was becoming desperate. Parliament decided to form the North-West Mounted Police. The duties of the force were to keep peace, prevent crime, and catch criminals. It would be a mounted force. A chain of posts would be built from Manitoba to the Rocky Mountains. The troops would wear bright scar- let jackets. Recruiting began at once. There was no shortage of recruits. Young people seeking adventure flocked to join the force. By the summer of 1874, 300 men were gathered in Manitoba to be sworn in as Mounties.

The first uniform of the North- West Mounted Police.The Mounties were recognized espe- cially for their red coats.The story goes that the governor general, Lord Dufferin, wanted the force to wear the imperial red colour of the British empire.The red would also distinguish the NWMP from the US , which wore the more traditional police blue.Today, the Mounties wear the red coats only for special ceremonial events. 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 127

Chapter 9: The North-West Mounted Police 127

Skill Building: Recognizing Bias

Some of your friends tell you about a movie they Try It! saw last night.They say,“The movie was fantastic. 1. Each of the following statements contains There were some amazing special effects.” words that are negative or emotionally charged. However, you know that they really like movies Identify the biased word.Then replace the word that have lots of action and dazzling effects. Can with a similar but more neutral word or phrase. you trust their opinion? It is important to recog- For example: nize that they have a bias.A bias is a preference The traders were hunted down ruthlessly for or particular point of view that makes it hard for their crimes. them to judge the movie fairly or with an open The traders were caught for their crimes. mind. Bias can be dangerous. Newspaper and tele- a) The crooked traders sold whisky to vision reports can influence many people. If, for Aboriginal people. example, certain newspapers or journalists have b) Sir John A. Macdonald sent troops to a bias against a particular politician, they can forcibly squash the rebellion. write and broadcast negative stories about her c) The Mounties set off on a heroic march or him. If the media slant stories about a politi- west. cian in a negative way, the public won’t be able to d) The rebellious Métis at Red River formed judge this person’s performance fairly.The politi- an illegal provisional government. cian may not be re-elected for this reason. e) The jury voted to have Thomas Scott Sometimes it is the choice of words that murdered. gives us the “wrong” impression. For example, f) betrayed Canada. when Aboriginal people “attacked” settlers, it was often recorded as a “massacre.” But when Explain how the meaning of the sentence settlers “attacked” Aboriginal people, it might changes when the biased word is replaced. simply have been called a “fight” or “battle.” How can you be aware of bias in what you read or 2. Which word,“massacre” or “battle,” sounds hear? Here are some helpful tips and exercises. worse? Why? Look up the word “massacre” in a dictionary. Should the incident with the American wolfers in the Cypress Hills be described as a massacre? Why or why not?

3. Examine the newspaper report entitled “Massacre!” at the beginning of this chapter. Find examples of bias in language in this article.Which side does this article seem to support—that of the Assiniboine or that of the wolfers?

4. Look through your local newspaper and see if you can find examples of bias in language. 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 128

128 Unit 2: The Development of Western Canada

The Great March word would spread: “The Law has arrived in The new police force was faced with an almost the West!” impossible task. It had to look after 6 million Plans were made for the Great March km2 and thousands of people with only 300 West. Many members of the North-West police. Mounted Police kept diaries as they travelled. Colonel French, the first commissioner or From these we can get a good picture of what commanding officer, wanted to let the people the country was like and the problems they of the Territories know that the Mounties had faced. The diary below is based on facts from arrived! He decided to make a long patrol. One actual accounts. group would march from Manitoba to Fort N. Sa Ft. skatc N Whoop-Up. There hew Lake Edmonton an they would build R. a police post. Another group would head north to Fort Edmonton . R S an and set up a post Ft. . w Macleod Saskatche Regina Ft. Ellice there. Then some R. A ne ssiniboi Ft. Garry would return to Ft. Whoop-up CYPRESS DIRT HILLS Manitoba and HILLS Dufferin SWEET GRASS HILLS Roche Percée R

e establish head- d R

iv THE ROUTE OF THE MARCH WEST e quarters. He r hoped that the French's Route to Sweet Grass Hills Macleod's Route to Ft. Macleod Jarvis's Route to Ft. Edmonton UNITED STATES 0 100 200 300 km OF AMERICA A Mountie’s Diary 8 July 1874 9 July 10 July 13 July 16 July 21 July The Great March West Weather is hot. We are Already some have Heat is becoming Started to march at 4 Many are tiring has begun. What a tortured by mosquitoes. deserted! They ran unbearable. The supply a.m. and travelled 19 and sick. Had to leave sight! There are 300 The column is 3 km in away in the night. This wagons and oxen can- km before breakfast. some horses to be officers and men, 142 length. Col. French has journey is going to be not keep up and have brought along in carts. oxen pulling Red River arranged us in six harder than we fallen behind. So no Not much grass for carts and wagons, 93 divisions riding differ- thought! food for us tonight. them to eat because head of cattle, 310 ent coloured horses. At grasshoppers have horses, 2 field guns, a the rear are the slower eaten everything in hay-mowing machine, ox carts, wagons, cat- sight. and portable kitchens. tle, and machines. 2 September 10 September 14 September 16 September 18 September 5 October Buffalo were sighted Weather has turned We saw vast herds of Cannot go much far- Sighted the Sweet Grass Col. Macleod has hired and a few killed. This cold and wet. Each buffalo as far as the ther! Hills and found good an experienced Métis lessens the food short- person gave up a blan- eye could see. Many grass and water. guide, Jerry Potts. He age for everyone. But ket last night to cover thousands of them has spent his whole the poor horses have the animals; but five were in sight. The life on the plains and nothing to eat! The horses were dead any- prairie seemed covered knows his way around. prairie has been way in the morning. with them! Potts is guiding us to stripped bare of grass the notorious Fort by the wandering herds Whoop-Up. Heaven of buffalo. knows what we will find there! 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 129

Chapter 9: The North-West Mounted Police 129

This illustration of the Great March is by Henri Julien, a reporter/artist who was invited to go along on the March. He reported on the expedition for the Canadian Illustrated News. What impression does the drawing give of the Mounties on the March? How do you think drawings like this might have contributed to the image of the Mounties as heroes opening the West?

24 July 2 August 3 August 23 August 24 August Sixteen days on the march Twenty-two people are sick A tremendous thunderstorm We are coming close to the We are now deep into the and we have only covered today from drinking swamp struck. All tents were blown Cypress Hills. We killed some country of the Aboriginal 430 km. The worst part of water. It was the colour of down. Fortunately horses antelope. How delicious fresh peoples. We have sent a the march is still ahead of black ink! were prevented from stam- meat smelled roasting over messenger ahead to explain us! peding. Unusually high hills the open fire! why we are coming into are ahead of us. their territory. The messenger will tell them that we have been sent by the Queen to drive out the people who have been selling liquor. 9 October 15 October 17 October 18 October 30 October What a disappointment Fort Hard at work building a One man died of typhoid The fort will be in the form The flag flies proudly over Whoop-Up turned out to be. police post on the banks of fever. His body was the first of a square, about 70 m to the barracks. We have We found the whisky traders the Oldman River near Fort we laid to rest in a little a side. On the east side will named the post Fort had gone. There were only a Whoop-Up. cemetery between the post be our quarters. Officers’ Macleod after our command- few Aboriginal people and and the river. quarters will be on the ing officer. The Mounties one fur trader. We searched west. Hospital, stores, and have arrived in Whoop-Up the fort top to bottom, but guardroom on the south. country! no whisky was found. Stables and blacksmith’s shop on the north. All buildings will face inward. There will be gates on two ends of the square. 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 130

130 Unit 2: The Development of Western Canada

Police Work Begins Once permanent police posts were established in the West, the real work of the Mounties Whoop-Up Bug Juice could begin. First, the liquor trade had to be controlled • colour alcohol with black chewing and stopped. Dishonest whisky traders were taking furs and guns in exchange for a powerful tobacco drink called “Whoop-Up Bug Juice.” Macleod was determined to bring that whisky trade to • spike with red pepper, ginger, and an end. Shortly after the arrival of the Mounties, molasses an Aboriginal man came into . He complained that traders had just given him a • water down and boil to become jug of whisky for two fine horses. The Mounties “firewater” set out quickly. The traders were caught and fined. The whisky was poured out on the snow. Whoop-Up Bug Juice was sold at an A first blow had been struck at the whisky extremely high price. One buffalo trade. Within a short time, most of the whisky robe bought 20 cupfuls. traders were run out of “Whoop-Up country.” Law and order were being established.

Fast Forward Reenactment of the Great March The year 1999 marked the 125th anniversary of the Great March West. To celebrate the event, a special reenactment of the March was held on the prairies. It began in Emerson, Manitoba on 8 May and ended in Alberta on 28 July. Police recruits, Métis scouts, supply wagons, and Red River carts were all part of the reenactment. The March ended with a dramatization of a meeting between Colonel Macleod and and a performance of the Mounties’ famous Musical Ride. Communities along the way and across the country were involved. Before the March, stu- dents were invited to send in a description of what it might have been like to be on the trek To find out more about the history of the RCMP, along with an illustrated map. The four win- visit the RCMP Centennial Museum on the Internet ners joined the March for a few days. at www.rcmpmuseum.com/. 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 131

Chapter 9: The North-West Mounted Police 131

Relationship With Aboriginal During the winter of 1876, thousands of Peoples Sioux crossed the border into Canada. They The Mounties also had to win the respect of were seeking refuge from the US Cavalry. For Aboriginal peoples. Macleod invited the chiefs the next four years, the Sioux stayed in Canada to meet with him. He told them he had not camped in the Cypress Hills. Eventually, they come to take away their lands. The Redcoats returned to the United States. had come to bring law and justice to the West. In the 1870s and 1880s, the Canadian All people were to be treated the same under government decided to move the Aboriginal the law. Many chiefs believed that the Mounties peoples onto reserves. In Canada, unlike in the and Macleod treated them fairly. They grew to United States, this was achieved with almost no trust him. bloodshed and warfare. In part, this was The leading chief of the Blackfoot (Siksika) because of the friendship between the was Crowfoot. He was a skilled hunter and pos- Aboriginal peoples and the Mounties. Though sessed great courage. He won the respect of his there were some incidents of violence, the own people and that of the settlers. He became treaties were generally made peacefully. the most outstanding man of his people—a However, disillusionment on the part of the poet, a speechmaker, and a leader. Aboriginal peoples soon became evident. A friendship developed between Crowfoot and Colonel Macleod. They trusted and respected one another. This friendship was tested in May 1876. A messenger from Chief was sent to the Blackfoot (Siksika) camp with tobacco. Sitting Bull was the chief of the American Sioux. The Sioux had fought American cavalry at the famous battle at Little Bighorn. They were protesting against the settlers and prospectors who had taken over their hunting areas. Sitting Bull was inviting Crowfoot to join the Sioux in war against both the American soldiers and the Canadian Mounties. Some of the Blackfoot (Siksika) called for war. But Crowfoot reminded them that the Mounties were friends. The police had driven out the whisky traders and jailed the wolfers who had killed their peo- The North-West Mounted Police badge includes the ple. Crowfoot refused to smoke Crown symbolizing the British monarchy, the buffalo, and Sitting Bull’s tobacco. He would the maple leaf. The motto “Maintien le Droit” means not join the Sioux in war. “uphold the law.” 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 132

132 Unit 2: The Development of Western Canada

Profiles Colonel George Arthur French

olonel French became the said, “We became so tough we Cfirst commissioner of the could even sit on a cactus.” North-West Mounted Police. He For breaking the rules, believed that the new force Mounties were punished with should be well trained and well severe fines. If they were disciplined. caught swearing, they were Reports tell that to toughen fined $5. For falling asleep at the new recruits, French led their post, they lost their pay drills with them outside Fort for two weeks. Garry in -350C weather. He Colonel French gave the issued salt to rub on their sad- Mounted Police an early reputa- dle sores until, as one Mountie tion for discipline.

Jerry Potts

erry Potts was one of the all the prairie landmarks. Once J real characters of the he was looking for a pile of Canadian West. He was a Métis stones as a landmark. Colonel born from an Aboriginal Macleod asked, “Are you lost, mother and a Scottish father. Jerry?” Potts answered, “No, the Potts joined the Mounties as a stones are lost.” guide and interpreter in 1874. Potts was a person of few Jerry was described as words. The story is told of a round-shouldered, bow-legged, chief who delivered a long and covered with the scars of speech to the governor general. many battles. It was said that The chief spoke for 90 minutes. no one had a better under- When Jerry translated it, he standing of the prairies. He summed it up in four words: could always find water when “The chief wants grub.” they were thirsty and a buffalo Jerry Potts was buried at when food was scarce. Fort Macleod in 1896 with full Even in snowstorms and Mountie honours in recognition on very dark nights, Potts of his work. could find his way. He knew 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 133

Chapter 9: The North-West Mounted Police 133

Lieutenant-Colonel James F. Macleod

acleod was trained as a brought back alive. Any Mountie Mlawyer as well as a police who brought in a dead prisoner officer. All through his career, was sentenced to three months of he urged the Mounties to be fair hard labour in the cells. and just. He told the constables Colonel Macleod gave the that he did not like the saying Mounted Police an early reputa- “Wanted: Dead or Alive.” He tion for law and justice. demanded that all prisoners be

Superintendant Sam Steele

uperintendent Sam Steele is Again in the 1890s, Steele was Sone of the legendary figures sent to the Yukon to bring law of the early North-West Mounted and order during the Gold Rush Police. He joined the force at its in the Klondike. In 1899, he left beginning when he was 19. For the police to join the military and more than a quarter century, served overseas in South Africa his name keeps appearing in and Europe during World War I. Canadian history whenever the NWMP are mentioned. He took part in the Great March. He was 1. How did these prominent peo- there during the North-West ple associated with the early Rebellion of 1885 and the building North-West Mounted Police of the . give the force its character? When trouble broke out in 1887 2. Imagine you are an officer between settlers and Aboriginal serving with one of the charac- people in the Kootenays, Steele ters profiled above.Write a was sent in to build the first short eyewitness report or a police fort west of the Rockies. short story describing an inci- He managed to defuse the situa- dent you experienced. Record tion without violence. The people it on audiotape. of the place renamed their village Fort Steele in his honour. 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 134

134 Unit 2: The Development of Western Canada

Civics & Society The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Today

he RCMP has gone through Today, you may see Tmany changes since its Mounties on parade at the beginnings on the prairies in Parliament Buildings in Ottawa 1873. Today, the force has or on horseback in their famous grown to over 15 000 members. Musical Ride. However, most of About 700 of these are women. the Mounties’ work is done with The RCMP enforces national cars, airplanes, ships, motorcy- laws. Officers investigate such cles, or snowmobiles. The force crimes as dealing in narcotics, uses the most up-to-date meth- spying, counterfeiting, and ods of criminal investigation. smuggling. They still have responsibility for upholding the Indian Act. 1. Using a web diagram, brain- storm everything you know about the RCMP today.What do you still want to know, or think you should know? Do some research to find the answers (see the web site below). 2. Design and create a special coin, stamp, web page, collage, or other image to reflect the important role the RCMP has played in Canada’s devel- opment as a nation.

001110010011110100011101000 100110101000111010011101011 001010110101001110001101010 010110111100101100001011010Netsurfer 001101101010101001101011010 o100101010010100100101010010 000010101100101001001010101 010111010100101111011100001To find out more 100101001011010100101010101about all the duties 101000011100100111101000111and activities of Today most Mounties do not ride horses and do not 010001001101010001110100111 010110010101101010011100011the RCMP, visit wear the scarlet uniforms except for special occasions. 010100101101111001011000010their web site at They are engaged in the day-to-day operations of police 110100011011010101010011110www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca. work across the country. 100011101000100110101000111 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 135

Chapter 9: The North-West Mounted Police 135

Historical Highlights

1873 North-West Mounted Police is created 1874 Great March West—18 officers, 257 men and horses leave Winnipeg for Fort Whoop-Up

1874-1905 Duties include general law enforcement, establishing friendly relations with Aboriginal peoples, helping settlers

1880s Musical Ride is established for public relations 1895 Police the Yukon during the Gold Rush 1904 “Royal” is added to the name; force becomes known as “Royal North-West Mounted Police”

1914-1918 During World War I carry out surveillance of enemy aliens at home and send cavalry squadrons overseas

1920 Become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) 1928-32 Take over provincial policing in (1928), Alberta, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (1932)

1935 Police Dog unit opens with three German shepherds Forensic laboratory established in Regina

1939-45 During World War II are involved in national security at home and marine, air, and military police duties overseas

1950 Take over provincial policing in Newfoundland and British Columbia

1970s New duties include airport policing, VIP security, and drug enforcement 1973 Centennial Museum opens in Regina to celebrate 100 years of the Force 1974 Women recruited as uniformed regular members

1990s Take part in international police activities in Namibia and Yugoslavia 1992 First women appointed as commissioned officers 1998 Celebrate 125th year with special events across the country; the Royal Canadian Mint issues a spe- cial coin and Canada Post releases a commemorative stamp

1999 125th anniversary of the March West 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 136

136 Unit 2: The Development of Western Canada

Activities Understanding Concepts

1. Add these new terms to your Factfile. Cypress Hills Massacre North-West Mounted Police Great March Fort Whoop-Up bias

2. a) What were the two main tasks that the North-West Mounted Police had been sent out West to do? b) Why were these tasks necessary in the 1870s? 3. What was the Great March West? Describe the March in your own words. 4. Why did Crowfoot not join Sitting Bull in war? Digging Deeper

5. CREATE Create a collage to illustrate the work of the North-West Mounted Police in the 1870s. Include diagrams, pictures, descriptions of tours of duty, personalities, and incidents in its early history.

6. INVESTIGATE/MODEL Find photos of a NWMP fort from the 1870s or 1880s. Construct a model of the fort including labels and descriptions.

7. ROLE PLAY/INTERVIEW Imagine that you are an interviewer for a newspaper. You have been sent out to talk with a member of Colonel Macleod’s detach- ment at Fort Macleod.What questions would you ask? Develop your questions and then role play the interview with a partner.

8. CREATE It is 1880.The North-West Mounted Police needs more recruits. Create posters to be used in Ontario to recruit new members to the force. Be sure your posters appeal to the kinds of recruits you wish to attract.

9. DISCUSS Discuss this statement:“The Mounted Police made the Canadian West a different kind of place than the American West.” Making New Connections

10. COMPARE Develop and complete a chart to compare the North-West Mounted Police in 1873 with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police today. Consider such things as the numbers of officers and detachments, location, training, living conditions in barracks, rules and regulations, main duties, and methods of transportation. 125-137 120820 11/1/04 2:49 PM Page 137

Chapter 9: The North-West Mounted Police 137

11. MEDIA/WRITE How are the Mounties portrayed today on television, in movies, and in other media (books, cartoons, pictures, etc.)? Think of some specific examples (or gather examples) and describe them.Then write two or three paragraphs expressing your point of view on how accurate these media images are. How well do they reflect the real life and work of an RCMP officer?