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Louis Riel and the Northwest Rebellion The late 1870s and the early 1880s were a time of rapid change in western Canada. The signing of treaties with the Indians, the extermination of the buffalo herds, the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the influx of thousands of settlers all occurred within a relatively short period of time. For the native people of the region, these years were particularly difficult. They found it hard to settle down into an agricultural lifestyle. When problems arose, the First Nations and the Metis alike found the Canadian government unresponsive to their calls for help. Treaty provisions of support during the years of change were not always fully carried out. The Metis were unhappy with their difficulty in getting the titles to the land they occupied. Many whites were also frustrated over the lack of parliamentary representation, and responsible government and Ottawa's inaction.
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Aboriginal Political Agitation (Canada in the Making) The Queen's Own Rifles and the Northwest Rebellion The Canadian Military Goes West Louis Riel and the Northwest Rebellion Louis Riel : The Heritage Centre
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Assignment 1. Using a Chronology of Events of Northwest Rebellion, prepare a modified timeline of the Northwest Rebellion, identifying points at which either the federal government or the Metis could have decided differently. What are the pros and cons of the alternative you have identified? 2. You are a war correspondent covering the Northwest Rebellion for the Montreal Gazette who has managed to get an interview with one of the Canadian force's leaders. Use the sites at left and other resources to prepare your questions and imaginary answers about the strategies used on both sides and the impressions of your troops. You may do this as a written report or use photos and maps to illustrate. 3. Riel's defense lawyers attempted to use the defense of insanity at his trial in Regina. Riel refused to follow their advice. Research Riel's behaviour prior to and during the Rebellion and write a position paper on the question of Riel's sanity. 4. Periodically, legislators raise the issue of a pardon for Riel, arguing that he was insane. The records of the time suggest that may have been the case. Argue for or against Riel receiving a posthumous (after death) pardon for his actions. |
