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Fort Garry created
Fort Garry was created as the centre of fur trading in the Red River Settlement. It was created at the meeting of the Red and Assiniboine River. Fort Garry was named after the deputy governor of the Hudson Bay Company, Nicholas Garry. The fort was destroyed in 1826 because of a severe flood, and was rebuilt with the name "Upper Fort Garry" to differentiate it from Lower Fort Garry. A heritage park is currently being created to inform people about this historic area. -
Canadian Confederation
After much debate, the United Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick finally decided that it would be best if they were to confederate, due to many reasons discussed in the three conferences. July 1 is now known as Canada Day. The name "Dominion of Canada" was chosen from the Psalm 72. -
Unannounced surveyors inspect Metis land
Canadian surveyors start to survey the Metis land around the Red River, changing the land division from long strips along the River to square township lots. They did not consider the people that were living there, and already began planning how the land would work. -
William McDougall appointed Lieutenant-Governor
William McDougall supported the Liberal-Conservative Party. He was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor in 1869, and sent 1,000 troops to take down the Metis at the Red River Settlement. However, when his surveyors arrived at the scene, they were instantly turned back. The Metis feared that their land would be organized into lots and sold to settlers, destroying the Metis way of life. -
National Committee of the Metis
The National Committee of the Metis was created to discuss the problems that the Metis faced at the time. John Bruce was elected as president, with Louis Riel as the secretary. They did not want the federal government of Canada to control them, and discussed ways to prevent this in their meetings. -
Canada buys Rupert's Land
The Hudson's Bay company decided to sell Rupert's land to Canada for $1.5 million with no consideration for the people who lived there. They did this in an effort to expand west and to use the rich natural resources, such as lumber. Western expansion was something very important in the eyes of John A Macdonald; he feared that the USA would pursue their idea of Manifest Destiny and control western Canada before Canada did. He immediately appointed William McDougall as Lieutenant-Governor. -
William McDougall arrives at Fort Garry
William McDougall himself travelled to Fort Garry on November 28th, 1869 to discuss the new government. However, a band of Metis strictly forbid him, and McDougall was forced to turn back. The Metis escorted McDougall to the U.S. border. -
Amnesty for Metis
On December 6th, Donald Smith was sent to negotiate with the Metis. He declared that all Metis who surrendered would be treated fairly and with respect. -
John Bruce resigns as president of Metis
John Bruce resigned as the head of the National Committee of the Metis due to poor health. Louis Riel took his place as president. -
Thomas Scott, others go to Fort Garry
Thomas Scott and the others who were strictly against the Metis living there marched into the Red River Settlement and demanded that the Metis leave. Their abrupt arrival caused them to be thrown into jail. -
Thomas Scott executed
Thomas Scott was furious when he was captured by Louis Riel and the Metis at Fort Garry. In the spur of the moment, he declared that the Metis were nothing but cowards, and boldly stated that they would not dare to shoot him. He was proved otherwise by a firing squad. -
Louis Riel flees from Fort Garry
After the execution of Thomas Scott, Louis Riel fled from Fort Garry to the USA in fear of the Canadian police officers capturing him, Sir John A Macdonald even gave money to Riel for exile; he feared conflict between Ontario and Quebec. Twice was Louis Riel offered a seat in Parliment. Both times, he revoked the generous offer. -
Manitoba Act
The Manitoba Act marked the area of the Red River Settlement as a province. It was created after the Metis voiced their opinion about losing their rights. This province was to be a little different from the others; instead of having a strong provincial government, it would be controlled by Ottawa.
