Summary
After the establishment of the provisional government in March the Métis attempted to bolster their fighting force by appealing to First Nations peoples for support. This process manifested itself in using the threat of violence to force the community of the Whitecap First Nations to travel to Batoche and support the Métis cause. Some Dakota were enlisted to aid the Métis response, for example being employed as scouts. They asserted that they were forced to help the Métis against their will.
Implications
Chief Whitecap was the only First Nations leader involved in the Resistance acquitted of treason. For more information on the aftermath of the resistance please see database entries on the trial and persecution of Louis Riel, Poundmaker, Big Bear, and others.
Sub Event
Chief Whitecap's Community Forced to Aid Metis
Date
1885-03-00
Community