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Home , Battle of Batoche, Battle of Cut Knife, Battle of Duck Lake, Battle of Fish Creek, Big Bear, Canadian Militia

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Chapter 13 The North-West Rebellion 1885 Riel on Trial

It is the summer of 1885. The small courtroom The case against Riel is being heard by in Regina is jammed with reporters and curi- Judge Hugh Richardson and a jury of six ous spectators. is on trial. He is English-speaking men. The tiny courtroom is charged with treason for leading an armed sweltering in the heat of a prairie summer. For rebellion against the Queen and her Canadian days, Riel’s lawyers argue that he is insane government. If he is found guilty, the punish- and cannot tell right from wrong. Then it is ment could be death by hanging. Riel’s turn to speak. The photograph shows What has happened over the past 15 years Riel in the witness box telling his story. What to bring Louis Riel to this moment? This is the will he say in his own defence? Will the jury same Louis Riel who led the Red River decide he is innocent or guilty? All is Resistance in 1869-70. This is the Riel who waiting to hear what the outcome of the trial was called the “Father of .” He is will be! back in Canada.

Reflecting/Predicting 1. Why do you think Louis Riel is back in Canada after fleeing to the United States following the Red River Resistance in 1870? 2. What do you think could have happened to bring Louis Riel to this trial? 3. Do you think he will be found guilty or innocent?

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Riel Returns In 1884, Gabriel Dumont and three other Métis rode 1100 km from the What the Métis wanted: River valley to • legal proof that they owned the small spaces of land Montana. Louis Riel was living in where they lived Montana with his family and teach- • a voice in their own government ing school. Dumont’s mission was to persuade Riel to return to What the Aboriginal peoples wanted: Canada and fight again for the • food and more money in exchange for the use of their Métis cause. Gabriel Dumont was land; many people were close to starvation with the a well-respected hunter and mili- buffalo almost wiped out tary leader. However, he was not the educated, fiery representative What the Settlers wanted: the Métis needed. • lower prices for farm machinery and for moving goods Dumont told Riel a very sad on the railroad story. After Manitoba joined • higher prices for their wheat Confederation, many Métis moved • a stronger voice for the North-West in farther west into present-day Saskatchewan and Alberta. They were looking for wide open spaces and freedom to live in the traditional Métis way. Canadian government to provide a better deal Then Canadian surveyors suddenly appeared in for the citizens of the North-West. the North-West. They started to divide the land It was a risky move. Conditions had changed for settlement. The railway was coming since 1870. Now there was the North-West through. It would be only a matter of time Mounted Police to support the Canadian gov- before settlers would flood into their land. It ernment. There was also a railroad to bring was the same old problem for the Métis. troops from eastern Canada. Riel’s call to take up arms lost him the Background to Rebellion support of the settlers. They wanted to see When Riel first returned to the North-West, he changes come in a lawful way. Riel also lost the seemed to have no thought of an armed rebel- support of the Roman Catholic Church when he lion. He wanted to try peaceful ways first. Riel encouraged the use of arms. Only the French- dreamed of bringing the Aboriginal peoples, the speaking Métis and some Aboriginal people Métis, and the settlers together. They would continued to support him. speak to Ottawa with one voice. A petition to Among the Aboriginal peoples, only chiefs the government was drawn up. A petition is a and and their followers formal request to an authority for rights, privi- joined Riel in the rebellion. They refused to leges, or other benefits. give up their way of life and move quietly onto Although the government promised to the reserves. They became increasingly desper- look into these problems, Ottawa took no real ate as food grew more scarce. Big Bear was action. By March 1885, Riel decided to wait no concerned for his people. The early successes longer. He planned to use the same methods of Riel and the Métis gave Poundmaker and Big that had been successful earlier in Manitoba. Bear hope. But what chance would Riel, the He would set up his own government and arm Métis, and the few Aboriginal people have his followers. Then he could pressure the against the Canadian government? 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 184

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The Rebellion Begins News Bulletin

Bloodshed at

Duck Lake Today, 17 26 March 1885 North-West Mounted Police officers set out from to pick up food and ammunition stored at Duck Lake. About 5 km from Duck Lake, they found the road blocked by a group of Métis. minute battle. Four Métis and The Mounties were greatly one Aboriginal person were outnumbered. They returned and his followers. From the also killed. The North-West to Fort Carlton without a top of a ridge, the Métis Mounted Police abandoned fight. could see the Mounties as Superintendent Crozier they advanced along the trail. Fort Carlton and retreated to Prince Albert. A rebellion has decided to lead a force of 50 The Mounties were easy tar- begun in the North-West. police and 50 volunteers gets for the Métis. Ten back to Duck Lake to secure Mounties were killed and their supplies. On the way, eleven injured in the 40- they met Gabriel Dumont

Frog Lake—2 April 1885 kets to them. Train carloads of flour and sides News of the Mountie defeat at Duck Lake of bacon, as well as extra tea and tobacco, swept across the prairies like wildfire. were distributed to these Aboriginal peoples. Encouraged by this Métis success, some The government hoped that this would keep Aboriginal people decided to strike. One group them neutral during the trouble on the prairies. broke into the Hudson’s Bay Company store in . They took needed supplies. Ottawa Sends Troops Big Bear’s son, Wandering Spirit, led a band Ottawa was alarmed at the news of the Mountie of Aboriginal people against the settlement at defeat at Duck Lake. The government decided to Frog Lake. The Indian agent (a government send troops immediately to put down the rebel- worker), two priests, and five others were lion. The problem was how to get the troops to killed. Then the band headed toward Fort Pitt. the West quickly. In March 1885, the CPR had not Big Bear, who was a friend of the Mounties, yet been completed. There were still 138 km of warned the police to retreat. “My young men track to be laid. are wild. I can no longer control them,” he William Van Horne was struggling to get the said. Other Aboriginal people under Chief last sections of track laid. He still needed more Poundmaker headed for Battleford. money to finish the job. He saw the uprising as But Chief and most of the a chance for the CPR to get another loan from Aboriginal groups on the prairies refused to the government. He promised to have the become involved in these battles. The govern- troops in Fort Qu’Appelle in ten days in return ment rushed extra supplies of food and blan- for another loan. Van Horne would use one 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 185

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method or another to get the troops over those incompleted sections of track! Middleton and the first forces left for the West. Ahead of them was a journey of approximately 2200 km. The troops rode in sleighs provided by the railroad com- pany in some places. On stretches of track between the gaps, they rode in open flatcars. The horses suffered even more than the sol- diers because there was no way of sheltering them from the wind and rain. One soldier, George Beauregard, recalled the misery of being packed onto flatcars sheltered only by a scrap of canvas: “There were 50 of us to a car, piled one on top of another, drenched by the rain which fell on our backs in torrents. For the first time, we really knew what misery was.” Eight days later, the first troops arrived in . An eyewitness said the troops looked as if they had already gone through a war. Many were frostbitten and half-blind with the glare of the snow. Van Horne had kept his promise. The troops were in Fort Qu’Appelle in nine days. The gov- ernment was happy and the CPR earned the loan to complete the railroad. Five thousand armed troops were now in the West. Added to these were 500 North-West Mounted Police and 50 surveyors. The survey- ors were especially helpful because they knew the country well.

The railway west was not yet complete. This was the plan: Four times Middleton’s troops had to 1. Troops under General Middleton were to leave their trains in freezing weather to advance from Qu’Appelle to Riel’s headquarters cross the gaps in the railroad.They had to drag their guns and horses through deep at Batoche. snow in temperatures well below 00C. 2. A column of soldiers, under Otter, was It was a very rough introduction to the to head north from toward life of a soldier. Most of the troops were Battleford. Battleford was surrounded by volunteers. Only a few days before, they Poundmaker and his people. Otter’s job was to had been shopkeepers and clerks in relieve the settlement. eastern Canada. 3. A third force, under General Strange, was to leave the train at .They were to set out for Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River to track down Big Bear. 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 186

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Profiles Big Bear (Mistahimaskwa)

ig Bear was considered one of the most Earlier in his life, it is said that Big Bear Binfluential chiefs on the prairies. He was had a strange dream. He saw a spring of a chief of the Plains . Big Bear had a water spouting up through the ground. In the stocky build and great physical strength. He dream, Big Bear tried was an excellent rider and buffalo hunter. to stop the flow of While hunting or during a battle, he could water with his cling to the side of a galloping horse and hands. The water shoot from the underside of the horse’s neck. turned to blood and Big Bear was deeply concerned about the squirted through his disappearance of the buffalo, the increasing fingers. In 1885, the number of settlers, and the destruction of his bad dream came people’s way of life. He believed the treaty true. Once again, conditions were impossible and would leave Big Bear was not his people in poverty. Big Bear and his fol- able to stop the lowers did not want to live on reserves or flow of blood. accept treaty money from the government. Gabriel Dumont

This Métis buf- the rebellion. He turned the discipline and falo hunter was tight organization of the Métis buffalo hunt to one of the most his advantage in the military battles. The colourful figures Métis used their skill as sharpshooters and of the North-West hit-and-run tactics against the Canadian Rebellion of 1885. armies. He was a crack In July 1886, the Canadian government shot. He was also pardoned those who had taken part in the an excellent rider North-West Rebellion. Dumont did not go who caught and back to the South Saskatchewan River until tamed his own 1890. During the last years of his life, it is wild horses. said he would sit at his cabin door and tell After the rebel- neighbourhood children tales of the rebel- lion, Dumont worked in the United States as lion. He would show them the scar from the a sharpshooter in Buffalo Bill’s travelling wound in the head he received at Duck Lake. Wild West Show. Then the old buffalo hunter would say, “You Dumont showed his skills in military see, my skull was too thick for the soldiers to strategy and leadership during the battles of kill me!” 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 187

Chapter 13: The North-West Rebellion 1885 187

General Frederick Middleton

Middleton was a British general who had He criticized the spent his entire career in the army. He was Canadian as placed in charge of all troops sent to put “Sunday soldiers,” down the North-West Rebellion. Why was a and he did not trust British general in command of Canadian the North-West troops? Canada at this time was still a colony Mounted Police. of Britain. It was Britain’s right to appoint an He was rather stub- experienced British soldier to command the born and unwilling to Canadian militia. The militia were citizens follow advice. Therefore, trained to defend the country and fight as an he did not listen to his offi- army. However, they were called into service cers who were much more famil- only in times of emergency. iar with the Canadian countryside than he Middleton would have preferred to have was. He also underestimated the fighting skills British regular soldiers to fight in his army. of the Aboriginal people and the Métis.

Poundmaker (Pitikwahanapiwiyin)

Poundmaker was an adopted son of Crowfoot. Poundmaker He became a Cree chief in 1878. How did he was genuinely con- get his name? It seems that he had a special cerned about the ability to attract buffalo into pounds. A pound welfare of his peo- resembled a huge corral. Sometimes a herd of ple. He did not buffalo were stampeded into this trap. On want to see the other occasions, the buffalo were drawn in destruction of their quietly by a person like Poundmaker. He way of life and he would dress in a buffalo robe and use a bell to believed the gov- capture the herd’s curiosity. One time, it is ernment was not said Poundmaker lured 500 buffalo into his fulfilling its treaty pound. promises.

to join Riel in the rebellion. Choose the 1. Compare the skills, experience, and qualifi- role of a chief for or against joining. Outline cations of Gabriel Dumont and General your viewpoints and then role play the Middleton as military leaders.Who do you meeting. Consider the following: think might have the advantage in battles on a) the role of the Mounted Police the prairies? Why? b) the soldiers’ military strength 2. Poundmaker, Big Bear, Crowfoot, and other c) feelings among Aboriginal peoples Plains chiefs are discussing whether or not d) problems facing Aboriginal peoples. 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 188

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Story of a Rebellion Fish Creek Batoche 24 April 1885 9 May 1885 General Middleton marches slowly with 850 At Batoche, Middleton’s plan is to use the troops toward Batoche. The soldiers have Hudson’s Bay Company supply steamer cannons and a large wagon train of supplies. Northcote. The steamer has been fitted out Métis scouts bring Riel daily reports of the as a gunboat. Its sides are barricaded with soldiers’ progress. But Riel and Gabriel planks, boxes, and mattresses. When the Dumont do not agree on what to do. Dumont Northcote’s whistle blows, it will be the wants to act at once. He knows Middleton’s signal for the battle to begin. Troops on the troops outnumber the Métis and are much steamer will fire from the river. At the same better equipped. He wants to slow down the time, the general will attack Batoche on troops by means of ambush. land. Riel thinks it is better to wait until the But this first naval battle on the prairies soldiers attack Batoche. He says he has is a disaster! The Northcote arrives too early. prayed about it. God has told him that if the Métis scouts discover the plan and set a Métis wait, they will win. But Dumont gets trap. They stretch a steel wire across the his way. river. When the Northcote hits the wire, the During the , Riel is at smoke funnels and whistle are ripped down. his headquarters in Batoche. He can hear the The whistle cannot blow! boom of Middleton’s cannons 13 km away. It On land, Dumont and his followers have is said that all day he stands praying for suc- dug rifle pits in the ground around Batoche. cess. His arms are stretched out to form a The pits are carefully hidden in the bush and cross. When his arms tire and seem to drop, shrub. From these protected pits, Métis his friends come forward and hold them up. sharpshooters fire at approaching troops. For three days, the cautious Middleton refuses to allow his army to attack the Métis rifle pits. Finally, the troops charge the pits without orders. By this time the Métis are running out of ammunition. They are firing only small stones and nails.

The first skirmish between Middleton and the Métis is at Fish Creek. Dumont traps the army in a coulee, a shallow ravine. Middleton’s troops fight back, but 50 are killed. Dumont loses four of his followers. He considers it a Métis vic- tory. He has slowed Middleton down. Now he has more time to gather a larger force of Métis and Aboriginal people. 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 189

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At Batoche, the Métis take cover in rifle pits. For three days, Dumont’s plan works.When Middleton’s troops attack the high ground near the church, they are in full view of the Métis in their protected pits. Middleton’s troops stand out against the brightness of the sky. It is a clever scheme. But the Métis run out of ammuni- tion. It is the decisive battle of the Rebellion. The Métis are defeated.

Otter Arrives at Battleford are nearly driven crazy by mosquitoes. They In the meantime, at Battleford, frightened have to constantly swat the insects with citizens take shelter in the North-West branches cut from prairie bushes. Mounted Police . Colonel Otter and Finally, tired and footsore, Otter’s col- his troops are coming from Swift Current to umn arrives at Battleford. The people are relieve Battleford. They have 200 loaded relieved. For almost a month they have lived wagons, 600 horses, and 500 soldiers. in constant fear of an attack. For these volunteers from eastern Canada, it is the first time they have expe- THE REBELLION OF 1885 rienced the open spaces and General Strange General Middleton Lt. Colonel Otter Battle site the cold April winds of the prairies. At night, freezing Frog Lake Edmonton er Riv temperatures make sleeping n ewa Fort Pitt Frenchman's Butte h c Cut Knife Hill

t Fort on the frozen ground a tor- a

k Carlton

s Lake ture. There is nothing to eat a Batoche h S Winnipeg Nort Battleford Duck Fish Creek but salt pork and hardtack. Lake

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Hardtack is a thick, stale i i Calgary n

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o n Fort biscuit that is often full of i So a n uth w Qu'Appelle e Sa e CPR Fort Macleod skatc h R maggots. To drink, there is iv e only unsweetened tea made Swift Current Regina r Winnipeg from the bitter, salty water of Canada

R

e the prairie ponds. During the United States d

R

i v day, the weather becomes e N r quite hot. Then the soldiers

0 200 km 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 190

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Cut Knife Hill hill. They creep through the bush until Otter’s 2 May 1885 forces are almost completely surrounded. Colonel Otter decides to pursue Poundmaker. The troops are firing down on the Cree He believes it is wise to confront Poundmaker with their . At first, the Cree are before he and Big Bear can combine forces alarmed with the noise. But soon they realize and go to help Riel at Batoche. Otter has two that the bullets are passing harmlessly over cannons and a secret weapon—a Gatling their heads. One group tries to rush the hill to gun. This is an early type of machine gun. seize the gun, but is forced back with rifle Otter’s plan is to move forward under the fire. At a crucial moment, the two cannons cover of night and attack Poundmaker at day- refuse to fire. They are not in good working break on 2 May 1885. But Poundmaker and condition. the are ready for the attack. Although By late morning, Otter’s troops are in seri- their guns are old, their aim is good. Cree ous trouble. The list of wounded soldiers is snipers pick off Colonel Otter’s troops. growing. Otter knows that the Cree will soon Gradually, the Cree encircle the base of the surround him and cut off his only line of retreat across Cut Knife Creek. He gives the order to withdraw to Battleford.

Riel Surrenders 15 May 1885 After the defeat at Batoche, Riel writes a let- ter to Middleton. He offers to surrender him- self if Middleton will allow the Métis to go free. On the outside of the envelope, Riel scribbles the words: “I do not like war.” Gabriel Dumont tries to persuade Riel to flee with him to the United States. Riel refuses to go. Sadly, Dumont leaves without his leader. The Government troops take up their position high on Cut Knife Hill overlooking Poundmaker’s camp. From there, they fire cannons old buffalo hunter slips down on the village. But the Cree take positions in the shelter of through Middleton’s mili- the wooded valley below.They gladly leave the exposed positions tary patrols and enters the to Otter’s troops. Otter is surrounded and must retreat. United States. 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 191

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Poundmaker Surrenders military because Big Bear’s Crees had taken 23 May 1885 prisoners at Frog Lake and Fort Pitt. As it When Poundmaker hears the news of Riel’s turns out, the prisoners were released defeat at Batoche, he does not follow Otter’s unharmed. troops. Poundmaker is convinced that to All through the hot days of June, the sol- struggle alone is useless. On 23 May 1885, he diers pursue Big Bear. Through dense bush voluntarily surrenders to General Middleton. and swamps where the mosquitoes drive troops and horses mad, the chase continues. Big Bear Surrenders By the end of June, Big Bear is out of ammu- 2 July 1885 nition and food. On 2 July 1885, he surrenders Farther west, General Strange meets Big Bear to the North-West Mounted Police at Fort in battle at Frenchman’s Butte. The troops Carlton. The North-West Rebellion is over. have the advantage of heavy guns. Big Bear’s From the outbreak of fighting at Duck Lake to followers begin to disperse. He and a few oth- the surrender of Big Bear, exactly 100 days ers avoid capture by heading north into the have passed. woods and lake country. Three groups set out in search of Big Bear. Finding Big Bear is important to the

The Gatling Gun was a hand-cranked gun with six barrels revolving around a central shaft.The gun was capable of firing 600 rounds of ammunition a minute. It was invented by an American, Richard J. Gatling, and was first used in the American Civil War. Gatling continued to make improvements to his gun and began to sell his machine guns throughout the world. 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 192

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Skill Building: Analyzing Bias

Have you ever wondered why two historical determined by a person’s experiences, family, accounts of an event can be very different? friends, occupation, religion, location, interests, Sometimes an event occurred so far in the past and politics.Two historians writing about the that no accurate records of it exist today, or North-West Rebellion may have different frames ever existed. Sometimes eyewitnesses have given of reference. One may believe in preserving the conflicting accounts of the event. If there is more traditional lifestyles of Aboriginal peoples.The than one account of an event, a historian will other may favour the idea of progress and settle- choose the one that she or he feels is more ment, and think that the changes the settlers accurate or that best suits her or his own inter- brought were good for Canada. pretation.This is because each historian (and Read the two fictional accounts of the battle every person) has a bias. at Batoche below and then answer the questions A person’s bias is shaped by his or her that follow. frame of reference. Frame of reference is

GAZETTE HAMILTON13 May 1885 Northcote. The steamer was fitted out as a gunboat. The plan called for a Today news reached us about a battle surprise attack from the Saskatchewan at Batoche in which General River. Troops would fire from the river Middleton and his loyal troops at the rebels in their headquarters at showed the Indians and Métis that Batoche. Meanwhile in Batoche, the they could no longer stand in the way Métis sharpshooters had to huddle for of progress. The railroad is almost protection in pits dug in the ground. completed. The Canadian government General Middleton estimates that is determined that the prairies will be rebel casualties were high. He reports opened to the thousands of settlers that a Catholic priest told him that 51 who will soon flood west. From eyewitnesses we learn that Indians and Métis were killed at Batoche and 173 were wounded. General Middleton opened the attack with the brilliant use of the steamer 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 193

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MONTRÉAL MATIN 12 May 1885 Today news reached us about a battle at Batoche. A handful of Métis and Indians ripped down. The Northcote drifted helplessly fought courageously to defend their lands. All down the river. So much for the general's clever the Métis and Indians want is to maintain their battle plan! open spaces, the buffalo, and their way of life. Métis and Indian snipers were hidden From eyewitness accounts at the battle we everywhere. From rifle pits dug in the ground learned that General Middleton's attempt to for protection and from the bush, attack Batoche was a disaster. Clever Métis sharpshooters could pick off Middleton's scouts set a trap for the steamer Northcote. troops like sitting ducks. If only they had not They stretched steel wire across the run out of ammunition, a Métis victory at Saskatchewan River. When the so-called Batoche would have been certain. As it is, gunboat struck the wire, its smokestacks were Dumont reports only 13 Indians and Métis killed and 2 wounded.

Note: The term “Indians” is used in these articles in its historical context. Examine Closely the Montréal Matin article, find two words or 1. In your own words, state the bias in the phrases that show the Métis and “Indians” in a Hamilton Gazette article.Also, state the bias in positive light. the Montréal Matin article. 5. Another kind of bias occurs when sarcasm 2. Bias can lead to different interpretations of or humour is used. One example from the the same fact. Find two facts that both stories excerpts is the Montréal Matin’s reference to the discuss but disagree on. Northcote as the “so-called gunboat.” Find another example of sarcasm or humour in the 3. Bias also occurs in the use of language.The Montréal Matin account. historian might use negative words to enforce his or her point of view. Can you find two words 6. Bias sometimes causes the reporting of facts or phrases in the Hamilton Gazette story that to be different. Look at the statistics of Métis describe the Aboriginal peoples in negative and “Indian” casualties in the two newspaper terms? What two words or phrases in the accounts. Suggest some reasons why the two Montréal Matin article describe General estimates differ.Which source do you think you Middleton and his troops in negative terms? can trust? Why?

4. A historian can use positive or favourable 7. Explain how the frame of reference of the words to describe her or his point of view. Hamilton Gazette might account for the bias of Search for two words or phrases in the the newspaper in reporting this battle. How does Hamilton Gazette story that describe General the frame of reference of the Montréal Matin Middleton and his soldiers in a positive light. In account for its bias? 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 194

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Civics & Society Trials in the North-West

ouis Riel, Poundmaker, and accused of high treason.” L Big Bear were all prisoners However, there was no phrase of the Canadian government. All for “high treason” in the Cree would be brought to trial for language. The interpreter tried their part in the rebellion. A for- to make the charge clear to mal charge of treason was laid Poundmaker. “You are accused In all, 44 Aboriginal people against them. What would be of throwing sticks at the Queen were convicted of various their fate? and trying to knock off her bon- crimes. Eight were hanged. net” was the explanation of the In addition, 18 Métis were Poundmaker’s Trial charge. eventually sent to prison for When Poundmaker surrendered Poundmaker insisted at his their part in the 1885 and was brought before General trial that he had not fired first at Rebellion. Middleton, he offered to shake Cut Knife Hill. He also replied hands. Middleton refused. At that he was only trying to Poundmaker’s trial, the general improve the living conditions said, “Poundmaker, you are for his people. He pointed out that he actually saved peoples’ lives. He held back his follow- ers when Otter and his soldiers were retreating at Cut Knife Hill. The jury ruled that Poundmaker was guilty. He was sentenced to three years in Stoney Mountain Penitentiary. After two years, he was released, but he died a few months later.

Big Bear’s Trial Big Bear was also tried for trea- son at Regina. He was charged with the deaths of the people at Frog Lake and with taking pris- oners. Some witnesses testified At Poundmaker’s trial, General Middleton sat on a chair with that Big Bear cried out against his interpreter nearby and his officers in a half circle behind the killings at Frog Lake. He per- him. Poundmaker and his chiefs sat on the grass before him. sonally protected the prisoners Poundmaker was accused of high treason and sentenced to that his followers had captured. prison. 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 195

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The chief delivered a speech in Cree to make his Métis followers look foolish for fol- the court. He pleaded more for his people lowing an insane man. than he did for himself. The lawyers for the Canadian government argued that Riel was sane. They argued that I ruled my country for long. Now I am in no insane person could lead 700 people into a chains and will be sent to prison....Now rebellion. They believed Riel knew what he I am as dead to my people. Many of them was doing. He had taken up arms against the are hiding in the woods....Can this court government. He had stirred up the Aboriginal not send them a pardon? My own children peoples. He was guilty of treason! may be starving and afraid to come out of Riel’s jury took only one hour and twenty hiding. I plead to you Chiefs of the white minutes to reach a decision. They declared man’s laws for pity and help for the peo- him guilty. Mr. Justice Richardson, the trial ple of my band. judge, read the sentence:

Big Bear was also found guilty and sentenced You shall be taken now from here to the to three years in the Stoney Mountain Peni- police guardroom at Regina jail . . . and on tentiary. He was released two years later, but the 18th of September . . . be hanged by like Poundmaker, died shortly afterwards. the neck till you are dead, and may God have mercy on your soul. Riel on Trial The trial that aroused the greatest interest and excitement across Canada was the . Held in Regina, it has been called the most important trial in Canadian history. The outcome is still debated. Six settlers were chosen to act as Riel’s jury. All were English-speaking and of the Protestant religion. Riel was French-speaking and of the Roman Catholic religion. His friends feared he would not get a fair trial. Lawyers were hired to defend Riel. Money was raised in Québec by the Riel Defence Committee to pay all the expenses. His lawyers believed that the only hope of saving Riel was to plead insanity. If he were insane, then during the rebellion Riel would not have 1. Do you think Poundmaker and Big Bear got been able to tell right from wrong. This would a fair trial? Why or why not? mean he could not be held responsible for his 2. Divide your class into groups and put Riel actions. His lawyers pointed out that twice Riel on trial.You will need a judge, a prosecuting had been in institutions for the mentally ill. lawyer, a defending lawyer, Riel, a six-person Riel himself would not accept this excuse jury, witnesses, reporters, and spectators. If of insanity. In two long speeches to his jury, you decide not to hang Riel, what else can he argued that he was sane. For Riel, to plead you do with him? Did Riel get a fair trial in insanity would be a disgrace. It would also your class? In Regina in 1885? Explain your answer. 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 196

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Fast Forward Louis Riel Today In 1885 Riel was executed as a traitor. Today many more people are seeing him as a hero. In 1992, more than 100 years after Riel was hanged in Regina, the Canadian Parliament passed a bill. It recognized the contributions that Louis Riel made to Canada’s growth as a nation. Other attempts have been made to have Riel’s conviction for high treason reversed and to have him formally recognized as a Father of Confederation and the Founder of Manitoba. Some new evidence suggests that the Chief Justice in Manitoba at the time of Riel’s trial was secretly working to ensure his execution because it was what federal politicians wanted. Recently, a Member of What does this cartoon suggest about John Parliament suggested that July 15 be recog- A. Macdonald’s position over the Riel affair? nized as Louis Riel Day. The issue of Riel’s Use your skills to analyze the cartoon. true position in Canadian history is still debated. walked with him from his cell to the scaffold. Riel said, “I thank God for having given me the strength to die well . . . I die at peace with God Riel is Executed and man, and I thank all those who helped me Letters from all provinces poured into Ottawa. in my misfortunes.” Riel showed no signs of “Hang Riel,” said some. “Free Riel,” said others. weakness. During the Lord’s Prayer, the trap- Twice the execution was delayed. Sir John A. door opened. Riel was hanged. Macdonald and his Conservative government On the day of the execution, crowds gath- were in a tricky position. If Riel was not hanged, ered quietly in English-speaking Canada to hear would be enraged. The Conservatives the news. In French-speaking Canada, however, would lose votes in Ontario in the next election. the reaction was quite different. Flags flew at If Riel was punished, then Québec would be half-mast. Black-framed pictures of Riel angry with the Conservative party. appeared in store windows. Hundreds of stu- Finally, Macdonald decided he would have dents in Montréal shouted “Glory to Riel!” to take his chances with losing support in Likenesses of Sir John A. Macdonald were Québec. “Riel shall hang,” he is reported to burned openly in the streets. have said, “though every dog in Québec shall In the newspapers and in Parliament, bark.” French-speaking Canadians blamed the death On the bright, cold day of 16 November of Riel on Macdonald and English Canada. 1885, the execution was carried out in the They said that he had been murdered because Regina jail. Riel was dressed in a black coat, a he was French. They asked, “Could woollen shirt, grey trousers, and moccasins. Confederation, which had joined English and Two priests, two guards, and the deputy sheriff French together, manage to survive?” 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 197

Chapter 13: The North-West Rebellion 1885 197

Results of the Rebellion

For Aboriginal Peoples 1. The only Aboriginal rebellion in Canadian history was put down by force. 2. The Aboriginal peoples realized that the government was going to enforce the treaties. Since rebellion was unsuccessful, they had no other choice than to move onto the reserves. 3. Aboriginal people who took part in the rebellion lost their annual government payments. Their horses and ammunition were seized.

For the Métis 1. Many Métis fled to the wilderness in northern Alberta. 2. Others took scrip worth $169-$240.They took the money because they remembered how they were unable to keep their land after 1870.When this money was gone, these Métis would have neither land nor money. 3. The Métis Nation was broken up. Not until the 20th century were Métis organizations formed again to improve conditions for their people.

For French-English Relations in Canada 1. The split between English-speaking and French-speaking people over the Riel affair was bitter. Neither side forgave the other for its view of Riel. 2. Hard feelings between Ontario Protestants and Québec Catholics lasted a long time after Riel’s execution.

For Political Parties 1. Many people in Québec stopped voting for the Conservative party.They no longer supported the party that had hanged Riel. 2. Many people of Québec began to vote in large numbers for the Liberal party.This was espe- cially true after the Liberals chose a French-Canadian leader,.

For Western Canada 1. The railroad was completed to bring the troops west. 2. Settlers felt more secure in moving to the West because the rebellions had been put down. 3. Many soldiers who fought in the rebellion settled in the West. 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 198

198 Unit 2: The Development of Western Canada

Activities Understanding Concepts

1. Add these new terms to your Factfile. petition Battle of Fish Creek Gatling gun militia high treason Hill plea of insanity

2. a) On an outline map of western Canada, locate the following places. Use an atlas to help you. North Saskatchewan River Qu’Appelle South Saskatchewan River Prince Albert CPR Duck Lake Batoche Winnipeg Battleford Fort Carlton Fort Pitt Swift Current Medicine Hat Regina Cut Knife Frog Lake b) Devise symbols to mark each battle site in the North-West Rebellion and indicate who was fighting whom at each location. 3. a) Why would Riel be considered a hero in Québec? b) How did the Riel situation create problems for Sir John A. Macdonald? c) How did the people of Ontario react to Québec’s opinion of Riel? Why? Digging Deeper

4. THINK Gabriel Dumont and his Métis followers made a long trip to Montana to see Riel. Imagine you are a member of this Métis group. Make a list of the arguments you would use to persuade Riel to come back to Canada and lead the Métis people.

5. COMPARE Develop a comparison organizer to determine the similarities and differences between the forces of Middleton and Dumont. Use the following headings in your organizer. a) battle tactics and strategies b) available military equipment c) skills of the soldiers d) importance of the railroad in the campaign 182-199 120820 11/1/04 2:57 PM Page 199

Chapter 13: The North-West Rebellion 1885 199

6. TIMELINE Arrange the following events in the history of the Canadian West in chronological order.Then create a timeline to record and illustrate the events. Remember to give your timeline a title. a) The b) the Red River Resistance c) the last spike ceremony at Craigellachie d) the signing of Treaty Number 7 with the Blackfoot (Siksika) e) the hanging of Louis Riel f) the Great March of the North-West Mounted Police g) Gabriel Dumont’s ride to convince Louis Riel to return to Saskatchewan h) the Act i) the Pacific Scandal j) John A. Macdonald’s National Policy

7. THINK/WRITE Do you think that the Métis should have fought against the government? Can you think of anything they could have done instead? Write a letter to the editor that would appear in a newspaper of the time giving your point of view.

8. SPEAK/LISTEN Imagine that you are either a soldier with Colonel Otter or one of Poundmaker’s followers.You are asked to be a witness at Poundmaker’s trial.Audiotape your eyewitness report of the Battle at Cut Knife Hill. Compare your version with a partner who has taken the same role as you have and another partner who has taken the role of an individual on the other side of the battle. Note similarities, differences, and any biases.

9. CLASS SURVEY Gabriel Dumont, Riel’s commander, was eventually pardoned for his part in the rebellion. Riel was hanged. Do a class survey to determine how many people believe this was fair or not fair. List reasons for both sides. Making New Connections

10. CREATE In 1967, Canada’s Centennial year, Poundmaker’s bones were moved to Cut Knife Hill Reserve and a plaque was put up to honour the chief.What do you think this plaque might say? Create a model of the plaque for Poundmaker, as well as plaques for Big Bear, Gabriel Dumont, and General Middleton. Decide where each plaque should be placed to best remember these people from our past.

11. DEBATE Debate this statement:“It is time that Louis Riel be recognized as a Father of Confederation.”

12. CURRENT EVENTS In Canada today, there are still many land claims of Aboriginal peoples that have not been resolved. In some cases, there have been armed conflicts where Aboriginal people or police have been killed. Could something like the Rebellion of 1885 happen today? What do you think needs to be done to avoid armed conflicts?