oct 16, 1869 - The National Metis Committee and Provisional Government
Description:
During in the process of the sale of Rupert's land, the Canadian government sent surveyors to Fort Garry, now known as Winnipeg, in August of 1869 and when they began making their way deeper into Metis territory, they were chased away by the Metis on October 11th. In response to the surveyors, the Metis established the Metis National Committee. This committee elected Louis Riel as secretary. Riel delayed the sale of Hudson's Bay company by occupying Fort Garry and obstructing the lieutenant-governor of the Northwest, William McDougall, from entering the Metis land.
The Metis also established a provisional government, or temporary government, in December of 1869 in which Riel was the president. The government included French-speaking Metis and English-speaking Protestants residents of Red River. The government wrote a bill of rights outlining terms for joining Canada as a new province.
"15. That we have full and fair representation in the Dominion Parliament"
- Metis bill of rights
The provisional government was met with resistance from a group of Red River settlers who called themselves the Canadian Party and attempted to overthrow the provisional government. These settlers were worried about the rights and welfare of the new English Protestant settlers. The Metis captured about 50 members of the Canadian Party and imprisoned them in Fort Garry. And executing a member after being tried found guilty of contempt, or disobedience of the provisional government. After news spread about the execution many Ontarians were angered.
Added to timeline:
Sabrina Xing
Timeline of the Nelson 8 History Textbook
Date:
