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Métis resistance (1869–1870)

In the summer of 1869 the proposed transfer of the northwest (Rupert’s Land) from the Hudson’s Bay Company to Canada brought about a period of unrest in the region. Concerned that they had not been consulted, several inhabitants of the Red River colony, including a large number of Métis led by Louis Riel, organized a resistance. A provisional government prepared a list of demands and began negotiations with Canada, which led to the Manitoba Act. It responded to several of the demands, including respect of land titles, provincial status, the establishment of responsible government, bilingual institutions, and separate schools. The act came into effect officially on 15 July 1870, when Manitoba joined confederation. The creation of the new province was, however, followed by a period of instability and violence marked by Riel’s exile.

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Other Resources

"Canadian Illustrated News and the Red River Rebellion (October 1869-1870)" - Canadian Illustrated News, 1869-1883 - Library and Archives Canada
Birth of Manitoba : Digital Resources on Manitoba History
Browse by Subject: Red River Rebellion, 1869-1870
Canada A Country by Consent: Manitoba Joins Confederation: Red River Rebellion
Canada A Country by Consent: Native Treaties 1871-1897: Northwest Rebellion 1885
Canada's History - Canada's History
From the Red River Settlement to Manitoba (1812—70) – Dictionary of Canadian Biography
John A. Macdonald's Response
Louis Riel
Manitoba History: Red River Resistance
Manitoba History: Western Manitoba and the 1885 Rebellion
North-West Rebellion - The Canadian Encyclopedia. Content archived on 3 Dec. 2024
North-West Rebellion - Wikipedia
Red River Rebellion - Wikipedia
Red River Rebellion 1870 | The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archives
Revolt of the Métis | HistoryNet
Rivers of Canada - Red River: Uprising : Can Geo Education
The Capture of Fort Garry
The Execution of Thomas Scott
The North West Rebellion
The North-West Rebellion (North-West Resistance) | Library and Archives Canada Blog
The Red River Rebellion, a popular democratic movement led by Louis Riel, leads to the creation of Manitoba | Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. Content archived on 23 Oct. 2018
The Riel Rebellion: Background
The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture
Thematic Guide - Louis Riel, the Red River Rebellion and the North West Campaign - Library and Archives Canada. Content archived on 20 July 2022
This Riel Business by Ian McLaren - NFB

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