Battle of Fish Creek (1885)

During the Northwest Rebellion in 1885, Major-General Frederick Dobson Middleton’s army approached the southernmost Métis farms. Military leader Gabriel Dumont and most of his men were waiting at a place they called Coulée des Tourond, but which the soldiers would call Fish Creek (Sask). Early in the morning of 24 April, Dumont placed his Métis, Sioux, and Cree soldiers in the ravine that crossed the trail to Batoche at right angles. Although they were outnumbered at least five to one, Dumont’s skilful dispositions and inspired leadership enabled them to drive off the attackers with heavy casualties. The victory, however, reduced even further the scant range of options left to the Métis. The loss of many horses deprived them of mobility, and the battle had used up much of their ammunition. Dumont took his men back to Batoche and began preparing defensive positions for the decisive confrontation.