Métis rights

On 11 Feb. 1870, during the Métis resistance, Joseph-Noël Ritchot, John Black, and Alfred Henry Scott were delegated to negotiate with the Canadian government regarding the entry of the Red River colony into confederation, as outlined in the “List of Rights” prepared by the executive of the provisional government. On 24 March, they left the colony for Ottawa, bringing with them the fourth version of the list. It demanded, among other things, the founding of a province, provincial control of public lands, the establishment of bilingual and bicultural institutions, separate schools, and amnesty for all members of the provisional government and those who acted on its behalf. The results of the negotiations were embodied in the Manitoba Act of 1870 – a substantial achievement by the delegation.