The Red River Resistance & North-Western Rebellion: Who we Have to Thank
- quinnillustrations
- Jun 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Louis Riel was a Métis leader, politician, poet, and activist. He is one of the most important figures in Turtle Island's history. Riel led both the Red River Resistance (1869–70) and the North-West Rebellion (1885) to protect Métis rights, culture, language, and land.
He believed in Indigenous self-determination, and fought to have their voices heard by the Canadian government. Riel spent years in exile in the U.S. after the Red River Resistance, but returned in 1884 when the Métis in the Northwest Territories (now Saskatchewan) asked for his help again.
In 1885, Riel led the North-West Rebellion (or Resistance), a broader movement involving both Métis and First Nations allies. After a short but intense conflict with government forces, Riel was captured, put on trial and executed. His death caused outrage throughout Turtle Island, especially among Indigenous communities and French Canadians. Louis Riel is remembered today as a founder of Manitoba, one of our first provinces, and a symbol of resistance, justice, and Indigenous rights.
Poundmaker was a Cree chief and peacemaker who played a major role in the events of the North-West Rebellion. He was known for trying to prevent violence and promote peaceful interactions and conversations between First Nations and the government, even when tensions were high. Despite his peaceful intentions, Poundmaker was blamed for an attack on government troops during the resistance. After the conflict, he was arrested and imprisoned for treason. He died shortly after being released.
Over a century later in 2019, the Canadian government finally officially exonerated Poundmaker, acknowledging that he was a peacekeeper who was wrongly convicted. His legacy lives on as a symbol of strength, diplomacy, and resistance.
Big Bear was a powerful Cree leader known for refusing to sign Treaty 6 in 1876. Unlike many others, he recognized early on that the treaties were being used to limit Indigenous sovereignty and would not guarantee the well-being of his people or the land.
Big Bear tried to negotiate a better deal for his nation for years. He fought for one that would allow the Cree to retain control of their lands and way of life. As conditions worsened due to famine and the colonizers intentional execution of the buffalo, many of his followers became frustrated and joined the resistance alongside Louis Riel and Poundmaker.
Though Big Bear did not lead any violent attacks, he was arrested and imprisoned after the North-West Rebellion. Like Poundmaker, he was remembered as a leader who stood for Indigenous self-determination and refused to be silenced.
Why These Stories Matter
These leaders and events show how Indigenous and Métis peoples resisted colonial policies and fought to protect their communities, lands, and rights. The Red River Resistance and North-West Rebellion were powerful movements of determination and demand for justice.
Today their legacies continue to influence and encourage conversations about reconciliation, treaty rights, and the importance of Indigenous leadership on Turtle Island.
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