Metis Research Paper

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Recently, feelings of unrest have been stirring among the Metis as the Canadian government continues its acts of injustice. The Metis continue to insist for legal title of the land they settle and desire, however they are losing tolerance. The Canadian government that promised them aid in farming aspects has not yet accomplished its promise. Could the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway be an influence? John Macdonald speculates that if the sixteen million acres of cultivation land were sold, seventy one million dollars can be gained. This is more money than what was financed in the CPR itself! Would the venal government really care about the Metis when in this situation? As expenses for the manufacture are rising, the government …show more content…

The tribes of the Cree, Blackfoot, Blood, Peigan, and Saulteaux had been struggling as the bison they depend on decreased in numbers. Herds have been disappearing and people are near starvation. Alongside this many did not recognize the land around them, the rich prairies are no longer in sight. The areas they sold to treaties had been turned to towns with elaborate farmland, fencing, and the construction of the railway. Alongside this, their familiar life of working in the fur trade and being carriers is lost. Later Riel created a petition signed by many stressing During this time of agony, Louis Riel returned from exile in America. Does that name ring a bell? That's because Louis is famous for is efforts to protect the Metis and his resistance during the Red River Rebellion. He advised that the rebels merge in an insurgency against the Prime Minister John A. Macdonald’s Conservative government. Metis rights, passing a 10 point list of “Revolutionary Bill of Rights.” It claimed Metis ownership of their farms along with other statements. Following this, armed Metis organized a provincial government seizing a church at Batoche, and with their efforts an HBC post at Fort Carlton surrendered. Louis Riel is titled president of the new uprising government and Gabriel Dumont the famous hunter is made military …show more content…

The CPR was not yet completed and they were almost bankrupt. Therefore if troops were needed to contain a revolt, they’d have to journey by trail. By spring time the Canadian government was ready to bring out the eastern militia. Lieutenant- Governor of the North- West territories banned the Metis from purchasing weapons. This decreases their chances of successful rebellion as they will be overpowered easier. Manitoba militia was moving into the Northwest and Superintendent Lief Crozier’s group of NWMP stood at Fort Carlton as they did not believe they had enough manpower to fight the Metis. From what he saw, Riel was assured that this could not be resolved peacefully as the government was persistent to create a war against the Metis. The first encounter happened at Battle of Duck Lake where after a couple of shootings, police and volunteers withdrew to Fort Carlton. Although a few Metis did get injured, Riel urged his men to not go after the retreating force and return to Batoche. Multiple troops were scattered in the Northwest in attempts to manage the

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