The Northwest Rebellion

1884

Jan 1, 1884

The Canadian Government has been cutting the Indian Department budget for the last two years. Aboriginals are facing starvation. Buffalo is getting harder to hunt. The Metis are having trouble farming. The Metis care oncerned that their rights will not be recognised.

Metis Delegation

May 18, 1884

Metis send delegation to Montana to ask Riel for help.

Riel Returns

Jun 7, 1884

Riel comes back to Canada. Arrives in Fish Creek, NWT. He arrives July 5th.

Riel petitions Government

Dec 16, 1884

Riel sends a petition to the Canadian Government. He outlines Metis grievances and demands. The Government, led by Sir John A MacDonald, does not pay any attention.

Bill of Rights

Mar 8, 1885

The Metis pass a Revolutionary Bill of Rights. They want farms. They will take up arms if necessary.

Provisional Government

Mar 19, 1885

The Metis decide to make their own "provisional" government. Louis Riel is the President. Gabriel Dumont is the Military Commander. The Manitoba Militia move into the Northwest. Ammunition sales are banned by the government.

Fort Carleton

Mar 21, 1885

Rield demands that Superintendent Crozier surrender Fort Carleton. He refuses. Two days later Prime Minister MacDonald order troops to get on the move.

Metis Fight at Duck Lake

Mar 26, 1885

Crozier brings 100 militia to fight at Duck Lake. Twelve militia and four Metis were killed. Crozier went back to For Carleton.

Troops Arrive

Apr 10, 1885

5000 government troops arrive in the Northwest. They are commanded by Major General Middleton. This is in response to attacks by Indians on white settlers.

War Breaks Out

Apr 12, 1885

800 militia fight 150 Metis and Indians at Fish Creek, NWT. The battle is fought under the leadership of Gabriel Dumont. The battle ends with both sides withdrawing.

Battle of Batoche

May 9, 1885

759 militia attack 175 Metis. Fifty-one Metis die. This is the famous Battle of Batoche. The Metis are defeated.

Riel Surrenders

May 15, 1885

Louis Riel surrounders. Gabriel Dumont flees to Montana. Dumont will later be pardoned. Some fighting continues into June. The Cree surrender at Fort Carleton on July 2nd.

Riel's Trial

Jul 1, 1885

Riel is tried, before a jury, for treason. Six English Protestants made up the jury. He gives a famous speech to the hury on July 17th. On September 18th, Riel is sentenced to be hanged.

Riel Hanged

Nov 16, 1885

Louis Riel is hanged in Regina, Sask. 6 Cree and 2 Assiniboine warriors are also hanged, on November 27th. They are hanged in Battleford.