Petitions sent to Regina and Ottawa from Metis in the Constituency of Lorne

Summary

Between 1882 and 1885 Metis peoples living in the Batoche region (called the Constituency of Lorne during the period) sent various petitions to the Territorial Government in Regina and the Federal Government in Ottawa. The main concern of the petitions was the recognition of land rights and the surveying of the Metis river lot system. Government response was vague and no action was taken.

Implications
The Métis became increasingly discouraged and impatient with the inaction of the Canadian government. This sentiment led to the various “secret meetings” in the 1880s, where the Metis drew up grievances and considered a plan of action to claim their requested rights. The Metis peoples decided to bring Louis Riel back from Montana to aid with these issues.
Sources

SBHS, SBAA, Journal of Father Gabriel Cloutier, Charles Nolin and Maxime Lépine’s depositions, p. 5174-5176. Charles Nolin’s testimony, LAC, RG13, B2, C-1231.

Date
1881-00-00