Warfare

By the early 1870s the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) had experienced a decline in population due to a combination of conflicts with the American army, American whiskey traders, and the Cree-Assiniboine alliance. In 1872, Colonel Patrick Robertson-Ross of the Canadian militia, reported that of the 221 Niitsitapi deaths, 133 had been from disease and the remaining 88 were attributed to American whiskey traders.

In the winter of 1869-1870 the last large scale smallpox epidemic hit the Canadian Plains killing over 3,500 people, mostly Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Cree, A'aninin, and Metis. Like the large scale epidemics prior, this outbreak spread northward from the Missouri River Valley. Historian, Margaret Kennedy, attributes the source of this infection to the steamer, Utah, on the Missouri River. In addition to the outbreak of smallpox, the American Whiskey trade (commonly referred to as the 'Whoop-Up' trade) was in full swing making the Plains during the early 1870s one of the most chaotic and lawless frontiers. Vaccinations were requested immediately in August, 1869, but due to a political crisis and the chaotic state of the Plains, due to the American whiskey trade, prevented the vaccine from reaching the communities in need until April, 1870. The epidemic wasn't considered over until June of 1871.

The 1860s was a period of demographic change on the Canadian Plains, The selling of the HBC, the influx of European settlers, a growing issue of horse raiding, and the dwindling of the Bison herds created a synergy for hardship during the decade.

Minnesota was granted statehood in 1858 resulting in a population explosion, railway development, and an 'Indian War.' Inter-ethnic tensions erupted into violence, particularly between the Lakota and Dakota nations, and the European settlers resulting in the deaths of 500 settlers.

In 1811, Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, began efforts to settle displaced Scottish farmers in the Red River Valley. Settlers soon attempted to restrict hunting and freighting by the Métis, many of whom worked as provisioners (mostly provisioners of pemmican) for the North West Company (NWC). The HBC and NWC were at the height of their competition during this time. In 1814, the governor of the Red River Colony issued the "Pemmican Proclamation", which prohibited the export of pemmican from the colony for the next year. A restriction on the hunting of buffalo on horseback was also imposed. The Métis, who lived along the Red River (now present-day Winnipeg) did not recognize the authority of the Red River Colony government, but the NWC, for which the Métis were loosely employed, accused the HBC of trying to monopolize the important foodstuff. Since the Métis relied heavily on the fur trade, the restrictions were also a threat to their livelihood and economic subsistence. The Red River Colony's Scottish immigration was sponsored by Thomas Douglas, the 5th Earl of Selkirk, who also happened to be the largest shareholder in the HBC. In 1816, a group of Métis, led by Cuthbert Grant, seized a supply of pemmican which has been stolen from them, and travelled to meet North West Company traders with the intention of selling them the pemmican. They encountered Robert Semple, then governor of the Red River Colony, along the Red River at a location known as Seven Oaks (present-day Winnipeg) to the English, and La Grenouillère to the Métis. Semple was accompanied by a group of settlers from the Red River Colony. A confrontation ensued, where the Métis were victorious, Robert Semple and 19 of his men were killed. One man belonging to the NWC-Métis side also perished. The Métis refer to the victory as "La Victoire de la Grenouillère". Most of the settlers living on the Red River Colony left the area in the following days. In retaliation, Selkirk (Thomas Douglas) captured the NWC's primary base at Fort William and reoccupied Fort Douglas (which had been taken by NWC members and Métis during the conflict). Law suits and countersuits ensued. Only Selkirk's death in 1820 cleared the way for an end to the rivalry. As for the Métis, they came to see Red River as a place of permanent settlement.

Mimicking the strategy that led to the formation of Manitoba at the end of the Red River Resistance, Riel announced his intention to form a provisional government to a group at St. Laurent on March 8, 1885. This announcement was supplemented by a Revolutionary Bill of Rights. Riel justified the timing referencing the imminent war between England and Russia, stating that the British could not come to Canada’s aid. After a “novena” (nine days of public prayers to consult one's conscience and obtain special divine graces) the provisional government was officially formed. Riel outlined that the provisional government would remain peaceful and disband if their requests were granted; however, if they were refused they would be forced to resort to violence. The formation of the provisional government resulted in the counter interference of the NWMP.

During the period between 1850 and 1870, the bison population on the Plains was beginning to disappear. A combination of an unregulated bison robe trade, and the influx of Euro-Americans headed west following the discovery of gold in the Fraser River in 1858 placed untenable stress on the bison population.

General Middleton and General Thomas Strange had been pursuing Big Bear for over a month wanting to arrest the Cree leader for his role in the North-West Resistance. On 2 July Big Bear surrendered to the four North West Mounted Police officers remaining at Fort Carlton. Big Bear's surrender was the symbolic end of the North-West Resistance. Additionally, the surrender led to the disintegration of Big Bear's band, as the individuals integrated into various other nations including Little Pine, Poundmaker and Thunderchild.

In 1915, hoping to gain war enlistments from the Red Pheasant reserve, recruitment agents presented a magic lantern show of war scenes to the community.

The fighting began at around eight o’clock on the morning of May 9. The smokestacks of the Northcote were destroyed, rendering it useless. The Métis took the offensive on this day, attempting to push back the Canadian troops but various offensive maneuvers failed to overrun the Canadian positions. May 10 was taken as a day off to allow colonial troops to rest. It also allowed Middleton to engage in reconnaissance and create a plan of action. Some limited artillery and gun fire was exchanged between both sides. On May 11th began with Middleton undertaking more reconnaissance. On May 12, Middleton initiated a firm plan of action. The Canadian Army attacked and Middleton’s forces overran the Métis’ initial position. Nearly out of ammunition, they surrendered and the defeat signified the end of the Provisional Government. Immediately following the battle, Métis participants were disarmed and allowed to return home, while those identified as members of Riel’s council were arrested. Louis Riel surrendered to the Canadian authorities on May 15, 1885. Riel among many other leaders including Poundmaker, Big Bear, and Crowfoot who were implicated in the Resistance were put on trial in Canadian courts. Some were imprisoned, but Riel was hung for his leadership in the resistance and prosecuted for Treason under Canadian laws.