Summary
In the summer of 1868, the Red River colony had their crops destroyed by insects for the fourth consecutive year. By mid-summer the Council of Assiniboia had allocated all available funds for relief, an international campaign was launched, and the Canadian government pledged assistance to the colony.
Implications
The successive crop failures highlight the difficulties which arose as Metis people on the Canadian Plains shifted from the fur trade to an agrarian economy. The crop failures resulted in food shortages, malnutrition and an increase in illness. The financial assistance promised by the Canadian government never reached Red River. Instead, the government decided to construct a road linking the Red River colony to Lake Superior.
Date
1868-00-00
Theme(s)