North-West Resistance / Riel Resistance

From a concealed position the Metis—led by Gabriel Dumont—attacked Middleton’s force. The ambush turned into a firefight as many of Dumont’s men were pinned down by opposing fire; however, Middleton’s men inflicted minimal damage due to the concealed Metis position. Combat ended with Middleton ordering a withdrawal of his troops. The Battle of Fish Creek can be viewed as a tactical and numerical victory for the Metis. Middleton’s force received fifty injuries and ten deaths, while the Metis escaped with six fatalities. The casualties inflicted on Middleton's army are even more considerable given that the Metis had a much smaller force. After Fish Creek, Middleton changed his tactics, becoming more cautious. Additionally, after having observe the participation of First Nations individuals during the battle, he began to believe rumors of a Metis-Indian alliance.