Lecture 6 HIST 382

This lecture takes up the origins of the Métis as a self-conscious people with identity and rights in Canada, with particular attention to the situation in the Red River Valley. The lecture concludes with reference to the state of the Métis after the failure of the Northwest Rebellion.

Introduction	The Métis are a people of historic mixed-blood ancestry who are a distinctive element in the Canadian identity, and particularly the western Canadian identity. Emerging from the interactions of the fur trade in the Great Lakes region, the Métis evolved their culture while gravitating west with that industry.
Red River Métis	The Red River Valley became a homeland for the Métis, but it also was a place of conflict—notably conflict with the Selkirk settlers, punctuated by the Seven Oaks Massacre in 1816. Both the Selkirk settlement and Métis culture survived in the region, with the Métis emerging dominant and the Hudson Bay Company remaining a potent force. There is debate (as you know from reading Ens) as to the elements shaping Métis society during the mid-19^th century.
Rebellion on the Red	The confederation of Canada and its prospective creation of Manitoba precipitated rebellion on the part of the Red River Métis under the leadership of Louis Riel. Through a mixture of negotiation, coercion, and political action (creation of the province of Manitoba) Canada resolved this crisis in a way that left the Métis with unanswered questions about their future in Manitoba and in confederation.
Métis on the Prairies	In the years following the Red River Rebellion, the Métis dispersed across the prairies, with a keystone Métis settlement located at Batoche. The advancement of white settlement across the prairies, and Métis insecurity in the emerging new order, brought about a second rebellion, the resistance of 1885, again led by Riel. The military defeat of this resistance resulted in the hanging of Riel as a traitor, but it did not eliminate the Métis as a distinct culture in Canada.
Métis Forever	The Métis remain, culturally and politically, a recognized people in Canada and a symbol of western Canadian identity.

Resources for Lecture 6
WWW	Canadian Illustrated News and the Red River Rebellion – Nifty site from the National Library, exhibiting line drawings from the country’s leading illustrated newspaper.
	The Northwest Resistance – Splendid and authoritative site by the University of Saskatchewan. Good for perusal in conjunction with lecture on the events of 1885.
	Métis National Council – Get a glimpse of Métis current affairs.
	Col. the Hon. George F.G. Stanley – Fascinating pages on this scholar, who figures in the lecture.
	Edith Fowke's Life And Publications – If you have any interest in folklore, here’s a nifty sketch of the grand old lady of Canadian folklore.
	Metis Culture & Heritage Resource Centre – Historic & contemporary Metis culture.
	Louis Riel Institute – Ditto.
	Virtual Museum of Metis History & Culture – Ditto.
Film	No recommendations specific to this topic
Reading	Howard, Strange Empire
	Siggins, Riel
	Beal & Macleod, Prairie Fire
	Pannekoek, A Snug Little Flock

HIST 382