North-West/Riel Resistance

Colonel Otter, eager to lead an attack, proposed an attack on the Cree residents of Poundmaker’s reserve that he hoped would lead to Poundmaker's surrender. On April 26th, without consulting Middleton, Otter sent a letter to Lieutenant Governor Dewdney who supported the attack hoping it would aid in bringing the Cree under government control. That same day, Middleton telegraphed Otter telling him to stay at Battleford until he had more information about the enemy. Middleton did not give Otter a definitive answer of whether to attack or not. On May 1, Otter left seeking a meeting with Poundmaker. The fighting began on May 2. After the battle was initiated, field guns fired upon Poundmaker's camp, and warriors focused on allowing the women and children to escape. The Aboriginal warriors led by War Chief Fine Day used their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage, rapidly changing location to avoid enemy fire. After about four hours of fighting, Otter organized a withdrawal of his troops at 11 in the morning. Otter’s army was forced to withdraw. But upon Otter's retreat Poundmaker ensured the retreating troops were not massacred. Otter's force had eight killed and about fourteen wounded, while six First Nations people had been killed and three wounded. There was concern amongst Canadian government officials that this battle would result in many Aboriginal warriors fighting alongside the Metis. This did not materialize to the extent that was anticipated. The Cree community had moved to the west side of Cut Knife Creek, forcing Otter's troops to cross the waterway. As a result, their element of surprise was lost, but the battle continued as Otter thought his superior weapons (such as the Gatling Gun) would lead to a decisive victory.