Grade 8's here is where you will post your responses to the question:
"Do you feel that the actions of the Metis National Committee were justified?"
Set up your response from either the perspective of the Metis or the Canadian government.
Ms. Swanek
did it work?
ReplyDeleteFor Metis
ReplyDeleteI can agree Metis they are first nation
But Canadian government just want to economic pontential.
Rupert’s Land is very important to Metis.
Canadian government will sell settles, then
Metis lost their home ( they will be homeless)
and they will hunt Rupert’s Land’s animal
Metis eat pemmican (meat)
It is so sad story for Metis
ANOTHER CONCERN WAS THAT THE NEW SETTIES
Wouid be English protestants not French catolics
This would be another contrast to the Metis
Existing way of life as the largest population
Of the community were Francophone Metis
The Metis were undeniably justified in the acts that they took to catch the attention of the Canadian Government. The Metis did so without a shot being fired and they were in need of a headquarters which Fort Gary would provide them with. The Canadian Government refused to listen to the Metis and the Metis believed that military action was the only course of action; and finally, the Canadian Government was extremely rude to the Metis.
ReplyDeleteThere was not a single shot fired by the Metis until the murder of Thomas Scott. The Metis took over Fort Gary for good reason, and managed to do so without the use of weapons. As for Thomas Scott, he questioned the Metis authority repeatedly. Had Scott not done so, his life would have been longer, as would the time without the Metis using weaponry.
The Metis’ actions were also justified in that they were in need of a headquarters. Fort Gary was an ideal location because there was enough food and weaponry for the Metis to be able to survive a long period of time, and defend themselves in case of attack. Fort Gary was the headquarters for Hudson’s Bay Company, so it would serve as Metis headquarters well. The Metis also took over Fort Gary to take a stand against the Canadian Government-they showed that because they were in control of Fort Gary, they were in a position of power.
As the Canadian Government refused to listen to the Metis, the only way to gain its attention was by military action. Seizing Fort Gary was the right thing to do as described above, and the Metis’ control of Fort Gary and its subsequent use to jail guards and provide a home to the provisional Metis leadership showed they government that they were in a position of power, and were not going to be denied their rights.
Finally, the Canadian Government’s disrespectful treatment of the Metis justified Metis reaction. Instead of starting a war with the government, the Metis simply rebelled peacefully. The Metis showed the government such disrespect was unappreciated, but did so in a noble way and not by causing a blood bath to fight for their rights.
In summary, for taking over Fort Gary without violence, seizing it to become their headquarters, catching the government’s attention and their peaceful not bloody rebelling, the Metis were completely justified when they seized Fort Gary.
The Métis were definitely justified in the acts they took to get the
ReplyDeleteattention of the Canadian Government. The Métis did not want the surveyors
to take over their lands because they were there first and that is were
they hunted bison. My second point is that the Métis’ culture was being
threatened by Riel so they had to do everything they could to make sure
that no one would continue to do this so they could live peacefully and
have no one threatening them. My last point is that they were blocking the
entrance of William McDougall into Rupert’s Land. He tried coming into Red
River but a group of Métis escorted him to the U.S border.
This is why I think the Métis were justified.
The Métis National Committee seized Fort Gary which the Métis had a
military advantage. The Provisional Government was a temporary government
set up until a permanent one can be established. Also a Canadian Party
wanted English speaking Europeans to gain control over Red River.
The Red River Rebellion
ReplyDeleteBy: Ola Sokolowski
The Métis started the Red River Resistance because of issues that came up when the Canadian Government purchased Rupert’s Land. The Métis were certainly justified in their actions during the Red River Rebellion. Three of the major acts they took were blocking the entrance of Rupert’s Land from the Canadian government, seizing Fort Garry and attacking the house of the leader of the Canada Party- Dr. John Schultz.
First of all, the Métis felt that they needed to take action because the Canadian government was not noticing their concerns. For example, no one consulted the Métis living in Rupert’s Land about their wishes before the surveyors came to divide the land. It angered them that their existing properties were being divided into new lots that would interfere with the buffalo hunt, part of their traditional way of life.
As well as this, the Métis were very unhappy with the new lieutenant governor of the North-West Territories, William McDougall. He was an English-speaking Protestant, while the Métis were French-speaking Catholics. McDougall planned on bringing other English-speaking Protestants to Rupert’s Land, and the Métis saw this as a serious threat to their culture. All the Métis were trying to do was defend their culture, which is a perfectly good reason for having blocked the entrance to Rupert’s Land. Besides, they did this without any violence, as just to raise the awareness of the Canadian government.
Eventually, the Métis decided to take drastic measures. Riel and his men surrounded the house of the Canada Party leader-Dr. John Schultz, seized its contents and jailed the guards. After this, they set up their own provisional government with the goal to maintain order in the colony, and to determine their future of what union with Canada would look like. This was after having tried numerous times to have their voices heard, and it was their only way of getting their say in the government.
Overall, the Métis were justified in the actions they took to get the Canadian government’s attention. They did this for what was best for their people, while the Canadian government refused to consider their concerns from the very beginning.
The Métis were absolutely justified in the acts they took to get the attention of the Canadian government. Some of the acts they took to get their attention were to block the entrance of William McDougall into Rupert's land, seize Fort Gary, murder Thomas Scott, and surround a house of Canada party leader Dr. John Schultz.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons the Métis acts were justified is because without them the government would not have cared at all about the Métis and their rights. For example, the government was already sending surveyors into Rupert's Land to divide the land into settlers' lots, even though the land wasn't theirs. This shows that the government was willing to take Métis land without permission.
Another reason the Métis were justified in their acts is because if they hadn't seized Fort Gary, they would have had to rely on guerrilla type tactics. This is because the Métis on their own lacked cannons, guns and supplies to last the winter. Once they seized Fort Gary they could fight in a more organized way with an established base.
Lastly, by surrounding Dr. John Schultz's house and murdering Thomas Scott, the Métis were showing that they were willing to take extreme action to gain their goals. They had been pushed around for so long that they were willing to risk death in order to gain recognition and respect.
The actions of the Métis were necessary for them to improve their situation in Canada. If they had not resorted to extreme tactics, the government of Canada would have dismissed their demands.
Métis vs. The Canadian Government
ReplyDeleteBy: Jenna Bilic
The Métis were definitely justified in the acts they took to get the attention of the Canadian Government. These acts included blocking the entrance of Rupert’s Land from the Canadian Government, seizing Fort Gary, and attacking the house of the leader of the Canada Party- Dr. John Shultz. Although drastic, these were the only things that the Métis could do to be heard by the Canadian Government.
This is so because first of all the Métis were not very pleased with the Lieutenant- Governor of the North- West Territories, William McDougall. The Métis were French- speaking Catholics, while McDougall and the settlers he planned on bringing were English- speaking Protestants. This contrasted the Métis’ existing way of life because the Métis were very used to their own culture, and did not feel the need to practise any other religions. For this reason, it was entirely warranted for the Métis to block the entrance of William McDougall into Rupert’s Land because they were trying to protect their own way of life.
Secondly, the Métis felt that it was right to take these movements because the Canadian Government did not bother to consult the Métis about what they wanted and desired. Instead of listening to the Métis, the Canadian Government just sent land surveyors to divide land into lots, that was rightfully the Métis’. This resulted in the disruption of the Métis’ bison hunt, which was not only an important part but a necessity of their culture.
Lastly, after attacking the house of the leader of the Canada Party, seizing its contents and jailing the guards, a provisional government was set up . The goal of this government was to maintain order in the colony. This was the only way that the Métis could have a say in the Government.
In summary, the Métis were absolutely justified in the movements they took to get the attention of the Canadian Government. They felt the above was the only way they could be heard.
Métis vs. Canadian Government- Red River Resistance
ReplyDeleteBy: Roslyn (I’ve been have G-mail problems)
SUPPORTING THE Métis
I think the Métis were absolutely justified. The 3 acts drew the attention to the Canadian Government. The Métis did not use violence when they went to the headquarters. The Canadian Government did not listen and respect the Métis. This caused the Métis to act on the military. The Government did not listen to the Métis and treated them poorly and with disrespect. All of these problems started all because of the purchasing of Rupert’s Land by the Canadian Government.
The Métis knew that they had to take action because the government did not care about their opinions and concerns. Nobody cared that they lived there and about their opinions and concerns. So the government did everything they wanted without any impute from the Métis. The Métis were not a big fan of William McDougall. He wanted to bring English speaking Protestants to Rupert’s Land. Obviously this was a big threat to the Métis culture and language. They blocked the entrance to Rupert’s Land because of the threat to their culture and language. This would hopefully get the attention of the Canadian Government.
Then the Métis eventually (with their leader Louis Riel) surrounded the house of Dr. John Schultz (Canadian party leader). They took the contents form fort Gary (ex. Weapons) and put the guards their own jail. When they seized Fort Gary there was a man named Tomas Scott. He was murdered by the Métis because of his disrespect. For example he called the “half-breeds” to their face.
This leads me to believe that the Métis justified their actions. This drew attention to the government. They stood up for their culture and people. That’s why I think the Métis were absolutely justified.
Were the Métis justified in seizing Fort Garry? By: Andrew Rugosi
ReplyDeleteI think that the Métis were justified in blocking the Canadian government, setting up a provisional government and in seizing Fort Garry.
First of all, after Canada purchased Rupert’s Land, the government put up fences to keep the livestock in, and the wild animals out. This made the Métis mad because by putting up these fences, it disrupted the bison hunt which was a Métis source of food. The Métis reacted by blocking the lieutenant governor of Canada, William McDougall, from entering Rupert’s Land. The Métis lost the bison hunt.
Secondly, the surveyors from the Canadian government divided Rupert’s Land into individual lots. New settlers took over the former Métis land and started farming. This upset the Métis because they had lived in Rupert’s Land for a long time peacefully until the Canadians took over their land! The Canadians bought the land from the Hudson’s Bay Company but the Métis still had a right to live there. The government came in, surveyed, and even divided land that was already occupied by the Métis. With all of these events happening, the Métis set up a provisional government until a permanent one was established. The only reason that the Métis set up a provisional government was to have a say in the government, or to be heard by the government. (The Canadian government wasn’t listening to the Métis opinion, they were ignoring them). The Métis reacted by blocking the lieutenant governor of Canada, William McDougall, from entering Rupert’s Land.
Lastly, the traditional Métis way of life was
at risk of being destroyed. The Métis thought that the new settlers would be English Protestants, not French Catholics. This would mean that the largest proportion of the community would be Francophone Métis. In the end, some Métis moved West but many did stay behind in Red River. As predicted, the Métis traditional way of life was destroyed. The bison hunt was long gone so the Métis adopted the life of townspeople. The Métis tried to get the governments attention without violence. The Métis did not want other people to see them as powerless, they wanted to be heard and listened to by the government.
In conclusion, the Métis were definitely justified in blocking the Canadian government, setting up a provisional government and in seizing Fort Garry to try and preserve their way of life. They were simply protecting their culture.
Red River Resistance
ReplyDeleteThe Metis were unquestionably justified for the actions they took against the Canadian government, being the blocking of the lieutenant governor William McDougall from entering Rupert’s Land, the seizing of Fort Gary and surrounding the house of Dr. John Schultz, leader of the Canadian party. They were just trying to prevent the Dominion of Canada from taking over there land, and did so without harming a single person, even with a military advantage in Fort Gary (which contained canons and guns). Firstly, the Metis had been living there since the 1700s, and had worked hard for 50 years until they were unofficially recognized as separate people. Imagine working for so long to be noticed and then all of that work was taken away from you, not to mention your way of life that took years to establish. And all of this just because you didn’t have a document saying the land was yours, when it so obviously was.
Secondly, if the settlers starting immigrating to Rupert’s Land, the Metis traditions would be destroyed. The views of the settlers on things such as bison, settlement and land were very different from nature loving and eco-friendly Metis. The Metis believed that they should hunt only what was necessary for survival, settle in as few areas as possible and leave the rest open for animal migration, whereas the settlers thought it was best to hunt in large numbers, settle in large areas for farming and fence farms to keep out wild animals. Also, the Metis traditional farms that followed the seigneurial system would be replaced with the less convenient British grid method of farmland that fenced out wild animals, disrupting the traditional bison hunt. And finally the Metis would have to change their spirituality. They would no longer be allowed to live as French Catholic’s like they had for decades, but would have to be Protestants, like the British settlers, or be shunned. So of course the Metis would fight for their way of life to be protected.
Finally, they were basically kicked out of their own land! Even before the land was officially sold to the Canadian government, surveyors had already started surveying the land, ignoring the Metis’s preference for them to stay out. And if they were ignored so blatantly would it be so wrong for the Metis to try to be heard? And not only this, but these surveyors arrived on occupied land without any permission whatsoever in a possible attempt to sell their land. No one had consulted the Metis about this, even though it was their land, so was it so wrong for them to feel a bit threatened?
The actions the Metis performed were essential for them to be heard. Even though this was their land, they were ignored and no one consulted them in the decision to sell Rupert’s Land, Of course they would feel threatened! For these reasons the Metis were definitely justified in the actions they took against the Canadian government.
The Métis Position
ReplyDeleteThe Métis were definitely justified in the acts they took to get the attention of the Canadian government. Firstly, no one representing the Canadian government even bothered to consult the Métis about wanting to take control over Rupert's Land, while the Métis were the group of people already living there. Clearly representatives from the Canadian government should have approached the Métis and discussed their intentions before attempting to just take over occupied land, and not even taking into consideration the wishes and well-being of the people who live there and have been well-settled on this land. So right from the beginning, the Canadian government showed disregard and disrespect towards the Métis and even called them "half-breeds". Secondly, the Métis were mainly farmers and bison hunters with their own unique traditions and peaceful way of life. They had great respect for nature and were very spiritual. The Métis farmed their land according to the French seigneurial system which divided the land into long and narrow strips. The Canadian government sent their surveyors to mark and divide this land (already farmed by the Métis) into individual fenced square lots (like the British grid system). Not only did the Canadian government try to divide properties that were already in existence, but also the way they were trying to divide the land would disrupt the Métis bison hunt which was extremely important to the Métis way of life and their survival. Thirdly, most of the settlers that would be coming to Rupert's Land were English Protestants and not French Catholics (like the majority of the Métis). These religious differences were also a threat to the Métis way of life since most English Protestants opposed Catholics and believed that Catholics should have few rights and no voice in government. It was very clear that the Canadian government wanted English-speaking Europeans to control Rupert's Land and so the Métis responded with the Red River Resistance, the seizing of Fort Garry and the setting up of a provisional government (Louis Riel as their leader) so they could protect their own interests and defend their way of life.
The Metis and the Red River Resistance
ReplyDeleteI believe that the actions of the Métis National Committee were thoroughly unjustified. They had no right to take part in the rebellious activities of denying the Canadian government entrance to territory that was owned by the Canadian government, seizing Fort Garry (the headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company containing cannons, guns, and pemmican for the winter) in order for the Métis to have a political advantage, and set up a provisional government. I believe in this resolution with such conviction for the following reasons:
My first reason for this is that the Canadian government paid a whopping $1,500,000 for Rupert’s Land. Rupert’s Land was officially owned by the Canadian government, granted to them by the Hudson’s Bay Company. This being said, the Métis had no right to take part in these actions. They cannot challenge the Canadian government for Rupert’s Land when it already belongs to the Canadian government. Also, even though no blood was shed, the intent behind seizing Fort Garry and blocking the Canadian government from entering was obviously violent and irrational (irrational because they had no proof that the Canadian government was going to do anything negative to the Métis or their culture). I think that a peaceful approach would be much more beneficial to all.
Secondly, the Canadian government greatly coveted this area of Rupert’s Land, and for good reason. Ontario had a lack of sufficient farmland, and looked to Rupert’s Land for plentiful land. The Canadian government also realized that an even bigger confederation would only make Canada and all the provinces involved, stronger. Theoretically the USA could take over Rupert’s Land singularly, but when joined with Canada, both become stronger. Canada was offering the Métis a wonderful opportunity (confederation), and they responded with violence. They should have embraced this offer. United, both places would be stronger, and the Canadian government were suggesting a union, which is peaceful, not threatening. Therefore the Métis were not justified for their actions, which were not peaceful.
Lastly, by attacking the Canadian government’s headquarters, they are disregarding the law. What they did is illegal, and the Métis have the same rights as everyone else, which means they have to obey the law just like everyone else does. I do not feel that the Métis’ actions were justified because to be just means to be “morally right and fair”. The Métis were being neither because they were disregarding the law. The Métis sent a note to Ottawa with the message that William McDougal should not come to Red River without permission from the Métis National Committee. It is unfair that the Métis expect William McDougal to not enter lands which his government owns because he was demanded not to do so. The Métis have to follow the law just as every other culture does, and by not doing so they are by definition breaking it. In conclusion, I definitely believe that the Métis were not at all justified in their actions.
Yes, I strongly believe that the Métis where successful in their fight against the Canadian government for the following reasons of blocking land surveyors, seizing Fort Gary, and preventing a government official from entering the area.
ReplyDeleteFirstly the Métis started to block off land surveyors from their home area by scaring the surveyors off with their numbers. I think this was a good act because the Métis where smart enough to realize that it was an important battle to win. And of the land was surveyed it was the first step to destroy their traditional way of life. It also amazes me that the Métis accomplished this task without any bloodshed!
Secondly, the Métis blocked the Canadian official William McDougal from entering Rupert’s Land. The Métis did this peacefully by escorting McDougal to the U.S border. I think this is a victory for the Métis because it shows that they are willing to stand up against the government by denying access to a government official.
Lastly, and most importantly the Métis seized Fort Gary (the HBC headquarters) without firing a single shot. This was a major victory because the fort contained cannons, guns, food, and other supplies. With these supplies the Métis wouldn’t have to rely on hit and run tactics, and this would make it more difficult for the Canadian government to take control of Rupert’s Land. During their takeover of the fort, the Métis kept prisoners. One prisoner named Thomas Scott insulted the Métis, Louise Riel responded to this by pulling Thomas out and shooting him showing that the Métis where prepared to go to juristic measures to get the job done.
In conclusion I think the Métis where successful in resisting the Canadian government through peaceful efforts by blocking government land surveyors, preventing a government official from entering Rupert’s Land, and by seizing Fort Gary. Also I’m surprised that there was such little bloodshed because the Métis had seen how the government had treated their forefathers by taking away their land, culture, and way of life.
From the point of View of Métis
ReplyDeleteI think that the Métis were justified in defending their land against the Canadians. The Hudson Bay Company had agreed to sell Rupert’s land including the Red River to Canada. This was a problem for the Metis and for their way of life. The Metis were worried that their language and culture was threatened. They were decedents of mixed marriages between native French fur traders and Plains Indians; they spoke French and were Roman Catholics. They also felt entitled and that this land was inherit from their ancestors. They did not think they needed to fight for this land or wanted blood shed but they needed to fight for what belonged to them. The Metis were then forced to defend their land and blocked surveyors because they knew that the surveyors needed to see the land before they purchased. They also attacked the main leader of the Canadian party by ambushing his home. Although drastic, the Metis knew that these measures had to be taken since the Canadian government did not care. The Metis felt that this was the only option they had to defend their way of life.
The Red River Resistance
ReplyDeleteI think that the Mètis had every right to rebel against the Canadian Government. The Mètis felt that they were denied their rights, not only as First Nations Peoples, but also as human beings. How would you feel if the Canadian Government came to your front door, trying to take your land that you have lived on for years? I, for one, would be outraged. I think that when the Mètis stopped the Lieutenant Governor from entering Rupert’s Land, they only wanted to show that they were not weak. I think that they seized Fort Gary in order to have a strong base if the Europeans did not want their “peaceful protests” to continue. And I think that the Mètis set up a provisional government to ensure that their voices were heard over those of the Europeans. I think that they were just trying to ensure that their rights as human beings were protected. They were often treated as second-class citizens, and were not getting any respect from their European leaders. I think that the Mètis had every right to rebel against the Canadian Government.
Here is where you post!
ReplyDeleteMETIS VS CANADA
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe that the metis were justified in their seizure of Fort Gary because, their land was being taken away and the fort is only a small part of that, they needed to show the government that they had power, and that setting up a provisional government actually saved Canada money. Their land is being taken away and they want at least some of it back. The Metis have lived on the land longer than anybody except the natives. The Metis people deserve at least a little bit of their land back. They haven’t taken a lot back; the government is just upset because of the loss of a building with supplies. The Metis have taken back nothing compared to the amount of land Europeans have taken from them. They needed some way to show the government that they have some power, and opinions on what was happening. If they had not taken Fort Gary, the government would think that Metis are pushovers, and don’t care about what happens to native/ metis land. Riel is right in his show of power by kicking out the lieutenant and taking HBC headquarters. Setting up a provision government actually helped the government with their affairs. Canada know doesn’t need to set up a provisional government, because the Metis did it for them. That saves them thousands of dollars, and days of fruitless work. In conclusion, I strongly believe that the metis were justified in their seizure of Fort Gary because, their land was being taken away and the fort is only a small part of that, they needed to show the government that they had power, and HBC had already sold the Territory at the time.
Jacob Perus for the Globe & Mail
The Red River Rebellion
ReplyDeleteBlog Response
By Julian Tymochko
Although the Metis had reasons to be frustrated with their situation and not pleased with the
Lieutenant-Governor of the North West Territories, William McDougall, they were not justified
in the acts that they took to catch the attention of the Canadian Government. Seizure of Fort Gary
did not accomplish the demands they had wanted. They were not the original landowners and
the smallest group of people in the Rupert’s Land. Fort Gary was on the Country of Canada’s
land and was owned and operated by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Since the Government
of Canada bought the land from HBC for over $1,000,000, they also owned the fort. The
government wanted to protect Canada from US invasion, needed more room for expansion of
the colonies and Rupert’s Land was the largest British North American colony. The Metis were
not First Nations, but a group of settlers who wanted to maintain their French-speaking, Catholic
way of life. They did not appreciate that more people and troops would be needed to defend the
country. The Metis were very few in numbers and they were up against a much more powerful
army supported by the government of Canada. The Metis should have been more proactive
in negotiating their demands peacefully with the Canadian government rather than starting a
rebellion. The Metis were trying to preserve their traditions and their way of life but did not
consider that they could have been absorbed by the US and should have tried to contribute to
the growth and expansion of Canada. If the Metis had tried to cooperate with the Government
of Canada, they may have been able more successful in getting their demands met. Instead
they were destroyed because they did not follow the laws and did not achieve anything they had
hoped to accomplish.
The Metis were justified in seizing Fort Gary, blocking the entrance of William McDougall, and estabishing a Provisional Government. First of all Ruperts Land was their land because they were there first, and established settlements, schools, etc... Secondly, they were French speaking Catholics, and everyone else were English speaking Protestants. Since they spoke different languages, and had different religions, the Metis needed their own land to communicate, and share the same religion. That's why the Metis were justified in seizing Fort Gary, blocking the enerance of the lieutenant governor of Canada, and creating a Provisional Government.
ReplyDeleteThe Metis definitely made the right decision in seizing Fort Gary. They made the right decision for a few reasons. One reason is that the Metis did not have much more land left to live on, so if Canada bought the land where their settlement is, the Metis would have to travel a long way to find new land. If the Metis did not seize Fort Gary, the Canadian government would not have been very intimidated by the Metis. Another reason is that some of the Metis in the Red River Settlement had jobs as farmers. If the Metis were already employed, then why should they have their settlement and farmland taken away? The third and final reason is that the Metis were the first settlers in Rupert's Land. If they were the first ones there then they should be allowed to stay. Overall, the Metis made the right decision to seize Fort Gary.
ReplyDeleteMETIS RED RIVER RESISTENCE
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that the Metis were justified in taking their 3 stands. I say this because they were a peaceful nation before following the bison hunt until Canada purchased Rupert’s Land in 1869. The Metis had no documents saying that they owned the land therefore they were nervous that they could be kicked out. The Metis were recognized as a distinct group of French speaking Catholic people. They did not want to lose their way of life and be assimilated into the English speaking Protestant people. If I was a Metis person and I had learned that my people’s culture was at risk I would talk all the stands I needed to protect my people. I like the idea of capturing fort Gary because if you were to control the central part of Rupert’s land you would be making a statement. On top of that blocking the lieutenant governor out of Rupert’s land is like blocking out the Canadian government this will make them listen. The demands of my people aren’t unrealistic we just want fairness between the French and English speaking people is that to much to ask for apparently it is if we have to take these stands to be heard. This is why the Metis are justified in their actions.
Response covered by Metis point of view
Life as a Métis at the Red River during Residence
ReplyDeleteBy Alannah Keenan
I believe that I did not do anything wrong, I was just protecting my people. The first reason I believe that we did not do anything wrong in blocking the lieutenant governor, seizing Fort Garry, and how we set up our own Provisional because nobody else would, because all we were doing was trying to establish our own rights. The first reason I think we did not do anything wrong is nearly nobody was killed during the time we were taking over Fort Garry, we also did not bring in people how did not need to be involved. Secondly we were just trying to keep are land safe and not over used be those new Canadians, who will harm are hunting , which will then harm us greatly. My final reason is the Canadian government has a responsibly to take care of all its citizens and by not giving us a Provisional government they are not treating us like the rest of their citizens, giving us unequal rights, which of course is not right. All in all the we were and are doing nothing wrong, just making sure we are all being treated right.
Red River Resistance Response
ReplyDeleteThe Métis current behavior regarding what is now our land is completely unjustified. They have so far done three major events to try to show us that they have power. The first, them blocking the entrance of our Lieutenant Governor shows they have no respect for this government, when really they don’t have any right to live on our land. No where is it written the Métis own it or can even settle here. Canada has bought the land for a large sum of money that we don’t intend to just give away. We saw economic potential and a sign of strong independence from this purchase, and by the Métis living there after we’ve worked so hard to get it, they’re taking that away from us. Another key point as to why these events weren’t justified is because there are many more Europeans in need of farmland than the Métis. That is one of the things Ontario lacks, which was a major reason as to why we bought the land in the first place. With a nomadic lifestyle the Métis could end up being anywhere, including the land we have settled on. This is irritating to the farmers and unfair as well, us now owning the land. They also have now seized Fort Gary and set up a provisional government, completing the three acts previously mentioned. This is angers our government greatly, because the Fort was the HBC headquarters. With the provisional government, the area now belongs to us, so we have control of it, which means it’s not at all necessary for another government since we already have one in place. These actions have affected us in such ways that proves how the Métis are completely unjustified in doing this.
Métis Response
ReplyDeleteAs a Métis I firmly believe the performed acts of the National Committee were needed. First off by blocking the governor general, it showed that we were powerful. If we had not done that then the government wouldn’t take us seriously.
Our second action of seizing fort Gary was also incredibly important. We needed weapons, you can’t fight without weapons. That’s like going to a football game without any protection. Also what’s scarier going to fight a bunch of people with their fists raised, or going to fight people with guns and cannons? Another thing is besides needing weapons we needed to show the government we have the ability to do these sorts of things like take over Fort Gary and block the governor general.
Another thing to keep in mind, while we blocked the governor general and Seized Fort Gary, not as single person got as much as a paper cut. We simply outsmarted the government.
The last thing setting up a provisional government, what is wrong with that? We needed a government and a leader. Otherwise it would be utter chaos. Everyone wanting to do their own thing we would never have been able to do what we have done. And the government would no longer be scared of us because we can’t even control the people who are for us. Without the government we would never have been able to do what we have done.
For the reasons I have just stated, and the fact that we have been able to get a province of our own (Manitoba). Are the reasons I believe that the actions of the National Committee against the government were justified.
Metis Rights
ReplyDeleteBy: Kora McKeon
The Metis were definitely justified to rebel against the Canadian government. First of all, the Canadian government was going to take the Metis homes and land away because the land was bought by Canada and the Canadian government thinks that the land is now rightfully theirs. But the Metis beg to differ. The land that the Canadian government wants to take away was the Metis land back from their heritage. Since it was the Metis land long before Canada bought it, Metis believed that it will still be there’s long after. They are prepared to do anything to keep their land. As an example of what the Metis were capable of, they blocked the entrance from William Dougall, lieutenant-governor, into Rupert’s Land.
Secondly, Metis were also worried about losing their identity. The land that was being taken away was a part of their past. It was a part of their identities. Metis had an inspiration to defend their land. They had led to seizing Fort Gary (headquarters of HBC).
Finally, the Metis felt that they did not have a voice during this time. They had tried everything to get the Canadian government to stop and listen for a change, everything to stop them from ruling their beloved country. But no matter how hard they tried, they had not been listened to on why they wanted their land. Metis should have been heard. No one deserves to have their rights taken away from them. So in order to ensure their voices were heard by the Canadian government they established a provisional government.
In conclusion, the Metis were definitely justified to rebel against the Canadian government. Everyone deserves to have their voices heard.
I firmly believe that the acts of the Metis were definitely justified, for the points I will explain to you below as strong evidence for the Metis. As the Canadian government just refused to listen to the Metis, so this was the only way for them to get their attention. No one even came towards the Metis and asked for their opinion on them just coming in and taking over Rupert’s land. Technically, Metis are not the owners of the land on paper, but they were inhabited first. You can’t just come in and take over the land, interfering with ways of their life such as the buffalo hunt and their culture. They also thought threatened that the Canadian Government was going to kick them out of where they have been living their whole lives.
ReplyDeleteI also don’t agree with the principles of the Lieutenant-Governor, William McDougall. He was an English speaking protestant, and the Metis were French speaking Catholics. If McDougall brought in more English speaking Protestants, it would upset the Metis, who were very accustomed to their own culture and beliefs. English Settlers had very different view on thing like the Eco-System and Bison Hunt, than those of the Metis. Having so many different people would interfere with what they have become accustomed to. What would you do if someone tried to come in and take away everything you knew and owned, and told you you had to change everything? (Think about that for a moment…)
No one should ever have to be forced to take drastic actions such as taking over Fort Garry or raiding the house of the Canada Party leader, John Shultz, all because no one will give them the slightest opinion. The metis were not even treated like people. They had no form of defense or a headquarters, and Fort Garry made the most sense. This is because it had pemmican to feed them in the cold winter, strong walls to keep enemies out, and guns to protect the m from unwanted Canadian invasions. If Fort Garry could work for The HBC, it could work for the Metis as well for a suitable headquarters. They didn’t even use violence to take over the fort, and the only violence came after the Murder of Thomas Scott, who was obviously plotting against them, and calling them derogatory terms like “half-breeds” to their face.
To finish up, I would like to say that because of the Canadian Government lack of respect for the Metis opinion, for trying to mess up their culture, wanting to kick them out of their home land, different view on Eco-Systems and Buffalo Hunt not listening to them, and not using violence in the seize of Fort Garry, the Metis were justified in their actions.
Red River Resistance By: John Miceli
ReplyDeleteThe actions the Metis took (blocking William McDougall, seizing Fort Gary, and creating a provisional government) were most definitely justified; although they may have been excessive.
Nobody likes to pushed around, ignored, and have their things stolen. That is sort of how the Canadian union is treating the Metis. Their rights and needs weren’t respected, as if they couldn’t be seen. William McDougall, Lieutenant Governor, had the idea to let english speaking settlers move in to the Metis land, without even telling them, which angered the Metis. People would freely be allowed to and would move in. This would compromise the vast areas of land they had. This was not good for the Metis people, because a lot of Metis people were farmers (Rupert`s Land is on the prairies, meaning the flat land was excellent for farming.) If they lost all this land, they simply would have to find a different job, or become unemployed. People moving into their land would also not make it possible to do the buffalo hunt, a Metis tradition. In this case, blocking William McDougall was justified.
Secondly, the Metis feared they would lose their way of life if the settlers came in. The settlers were very different from the Metis. They were english-speaking (which was the main language of Canada), they were protestant, which is very different from Roman-Catholic, the religion of the Metis, and also had different traditions, cultures, and lifestyles. If the settlers came in, the Metis would become a minority, thus losing their way of life. When the Metis seized Fort Gary, they became more organized, and had the supplies to carry out a true battle and allow them to preserve their way of life. In this case, seizing Fort Gary was justified.
Lastly, the Metis people knew that if they gave up and let the settlers take over, their lives might end. They wanted McDougall out and replaced by someone who understood rights for both French and English people, rather than just English. McDougall would make the schools english and Protestant, and the language in Rupert`s Land would become English. Instead of just sitting back, they decided to (Riel and his men) surround House of Canada Party Leader John Shultz` home and jailed him and his guards. From there, they set up a provisional government to deal with the Metis affairs, hoping that they would capture the attention of Canada and listen to what they have to say. In this case, creating a provisional government was justified.
Overall, I believe the Metis were most definitely justified in what they did: (blocking William McDougall, seizing Fort Gary, and creating a provisional government) and although these actions may have been a bit excessive, they really caught the attention of the Canadian Government and eventually succeeded in keeping their territory and preserving their way of life.
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ReplyDeleteThe Metis were most definitely right for seizing Fort Gary, blocking William McDougall, and creating there own government. The Metis were being treated differently. They were put in different schools, and separate land. The Canadian government was taking over everything they had such as their land, and culture.
ReplyDeleteThe Metis didn't as much freedom and abilities as the rest of the people of Canada did. They had to walk to get places, and hunt for their own food. If the government took over, than it would effect the Metis traditions and ways of life, because they wouldn't be in power anymore, and their temporary government would be destroyed.
The Metis were right for seizing Fort Gary. The Canadian Government would have taken all their land. The Metis never settled. They were constantly moving to use all the land they had, so they lived in several different places. Because of this, the Metis would had have to settle in one place, for the rest of their land would be taken.
For these and other reasons, the Metis were justified for seizing Fort Gary, blocking McDougall, and creating a temporary government to fight for their culture.
I strongly believe that the Metis were justified in all their actions which were seizing Fort Gary, blocking the entrance of William McDougall, and establishing a Provisional Government. First of all, Ruperts Land was their land because they were settled there first, and had already established settlements, schools, churches, etc. How would you feel if someone took your land even though you were there first, and working on it for a long time to make it the best it can be? So to the Metis it's not fair because Ruperts Land was theirs first.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, they were French speaking Catholics, and everybody else were English speaking Protestants. Since the Metis spoke different languages, and believed in a different religion, they needed their own land to communicate and practice their religion together. If you had just moved to another school, and you were the only Catholic there along with a few other kids, you would be an outsider just like the Metis were compared to everyone else.
Those are the reasons why I strongly believe that the Metis were justified in seizing Fort Gary, blocking the entrance of the lieutenant governor (William McDougall), and creating a Provisional Government.
METIS ACTIONS DURING RED RIVER DISPUTE
ReplyDeleteBy Adam Yang
We as the Canadian Government can say that the Métis were unjustified in actions taken during their resistance. The actions the Métis took were blockading the lieutenant governor, attacking fort Garry, and shooting Thomas Scott. All actions were un-provoked or expected by knowledge and common sense. To start they blockaded our governor and had aimed guns at him saying that a diplomat needs permission to enter and ask for peace. The Métis knew perfectly that the Canadian government was taking Rupert’s land so they could have moved to a different area or join our culture. Next the armed Métis had taken Fort Garry by force, thankfully none of our men were injured, but they had executed a distinguished Mr. Thomas Scott shooting him in cold blood. He was acting the way any prisoner would if they were kept in cells that were dirty and cold while half-breeds roamed outside. Finally those half breeds also had the nerve to setup a provisional government and put together a bill asking for a pardon of their actions during the resistance. This is very un justified because the Canadians had used there money to buy the land and the Métis are trying to take it over and keep it by setting up this government to make bills and laws to be presented in parliament. So to recap they had killed one of are men, took our fort, and blockaded our governor and ask that that we forgive them and forget about it? We will not stand for this, action must be taken against them for what they have done; be it relocating them, or wiping them out we must take action.
Metis vs. Canadian Government Response by Celine
ReplyDeleteThe Metis were worried that the Canadian government would ruin their way of life. I think its wrong for the government to just take over the Metis land and not do anything else to please the Metis. So I am for the Metis side and against the Canadian government. The Metis were of French descent. The Canadian government would be English speaking Protestants, not Roman speaking Catholics. The Canadians would seem foreign to them and it wouldn’t seem right (because they would be unfamiliar with their way of life).Taking over Rupert’s Land without hearing what the Metis had to say was a selfish act. It was selfish and greedy because the Canadian government was only thinking about Canada, and they were not thinking how it would affect the Metis. Destroying the Metis’ way of life was not right. It was not right because they just took over the land and that disrupted the Metis traditions (like the bison hunt), and the Metis would need a new way of life. The Canadian government was wrong for doing what they did to the Metis.
We the metis feel that we needed to block the Lt. Governor out of the red river settlement because if we did not then we feel that the Canadian government would not respect are wishes and destroy are way of life.
ReplyDeleteEven though we have done this, the Canadian government still choses to ignore us so,we the metis needed to seize fort Gary. If we did not then the government of Canada would not recognize are requests. We have sized fort Gary without bloodshed so what is the downside. We haven’t killed anybody we raised awareness to Canada that we are here.
Even though we have killed Mr. Tomas Scott we believe it to be necessary to raise awareness and show the government that we are not afraid to take action.
We now set up a provisional government because we needed to make rules and keep order.
Because of all the points stated we the metis feel that all these actions were justified and had to take place.
Adam Gierlach
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