Summary
After defeats at Fish Creek and Cut Knife General Frederick Middleton asked Indian Commissioner Edgar Dewdney to "issue proclamation warning breeds and Indians to return to their Reserves and that all found away will be treated as rebels." Middleton hoped to fight just the Batoche Metis and avoid inciting an Indian war. Dewdney who had been seeking for a justification to pass ordinances to bring about greater control over the western Aboriginal population supported Middleton's idea. Within hours of receiving Middleton's telegram he issued a notice that all loyal Indians must remain on their reserves.
Implications
Middleton's request led to the creation of the "Pass System" which was fully implemented in the aftermath of the North-West Resistance. The "Pass System," which NWMP were resistant to enforce due to holding no legal ground at first, restricted Indigenous peoples movements confining them to their reserves. If not for the permission of an Indian Agents, any person who left their reserve could face legal action and persecution. This gave Indian Agents and the Government of Canada complete control over the movements of Indigenous peoples and prevented them from partaking in economic and social pursuits.
Sources
NAC, RG10, v. 3584, E. Dewdney, "Notice," 6 May 1885.
Sub Event
Middleton Requests Indians be Confined to Reserves
Date
1885-05-06