Student Activities - Theme 2: North-West Mounted Police & the
                                                   March West

Sam Steele was the 4th person to join the NWMP in 1873.  His family military background, experience in the militia and year on the Red River Expedition introduced him to the Canadian West and made him a natural Mountie.  

Steele’s memoirs, his personal papers and other documents allow us to study his career with the Mounted Police.  These activities look at: 
4.1 - Joining the North West Mounted Police
4.2 - The Mounted Police’s March West in 1874
4.3 - Sam Steele on the First Nations and Métis
4.4 - Policing During the Building of the Canadian Pacific Railway
4.5 - Northwest Rebellion of 1885 
4.6 - Policing and Much More – The Role of the NWMP in the North West

Introduction to the NWMP
Adapted from: http://steele.library.ualberta.ca/theme/2

To maintain law and order in the North-West Territories, the government of Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald (1815–1891) [introduced and] passed [a law creating] … a mounted police force. Steele [was] an instructor in the Canadian Permanent Artillery, [and] was eager to head west again, seeking adventure. The Mounties welcomed Steele because of his military experience. They made him a Sergeant-Major, and [asked] him … [to train] new recruits in horsemanship, marksmanship, and general police duties. His reputation as a [strict officer] …[frightened] many recruits, but his men came to respect him … .
After training hundreds of men in Toronto and Fort Garry, Manitoba, the Mounties began the “Long March” west in the summer of 1874, seeking to control the whisky trade… [Later they were assigned to] protect railway workers. The Canadian Pacific Railway was being built [and] … its labour camps were full of men drinking and gambling. The Mounties enforced prohibition [of the sale of alcohol] along the rail line, but the [job] was [very] difficult.
In makeshift courtrooms Steele frequently served as judge and jury to decide the fate of hundreds of men [whom his men had charged]. He [gained] a reputation as a tough and fearless [judge]. Steele … [briefly stepped away] from his duties with the Mounted Police when Louis Riel returned from the United States to lead another rebellion [in 1885]. Appointed a Major in the Alberta Field Force, Steele played a significant role in [stopping] the rebellion as commander of Steele’s Scouts.

Continuity and Change
4.1 Joining the North West Mounted Police

Conside: 
What qualities were required to join the North West Mounted Police in  1873?

How would you rate Sam Steele’s qualifications and experience when he applied in 1873?  Use the same rating scale that your teachers use when they rate your work.

Now compare the requirements in 1873 with the requirements to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police today.  You may check  the RCMP website or invite an officer to visit your class.

Requirements for Joining the North West Mounted Police

“No person shall be appointed to the police force unless he be of sound constitution, active and able-bodied, able to ride, of good character, able to read and write either the English or French language, and between the ages of 18 and 40 years.”
North West Mounted Police Act, 1873.  
Sam Steele, Forty Years in Canada, p. 60
Sam Steele Joins the North West Mounted Police, 1873
“In August (1873) at Ottawa, I learnt that the North West Mounted Police Force was to be raised and sent to the north west very soon.  I obtained an introduction to Major Walsh, who, it turned out, was well known to my relatives on the St. Lawrence.  He was to (start) recruiting for “A” division of the force, and I arranged to go with him as his sergeant-major if I could get my discharge.  So we went to Colonel French, who was in the city, and with a twinkle in his eye, as if he knew all about it, he gave four others and myself permission to leave the battery and join the police.  We returned to Kingston as soon as possible to get our discharges and examinations, and left for Brockville by steamer, … .  We were met…by Major Walsh, and in the afternoon we passed the medical examination and were sworn in as members of the North West Mounted Police Force.  Major Walsh…directed me to take any desirable recruits who might present themselves, and, on October 1, I took over my duties as sergeant-major of the division.” 
Sam Steele, Forty Years in Canada, p. 52.   
4.1 a) Requirements to Join the NWMP in 1873 and Today
What factors did they assess in 1873?	What were the Levels or Standards in 1873?	

		

		

		

or
What factors did they assess in 1873?	What were the Levels
or Standards in 1873?	What do you think were the reasons for this Requirement?	
Health	Appeared and sounded healthy	

Physical fitness	Very Active	

Horsemanship	Good skills	

Character Reference	Upstanding	

Education	Read & Write 
English or French	

Minimum age	18	

Maximum age	40	

Requirements
in 1873?	Levels or Standards
in 1873?	Scoring Sam Steele’s
Application in 1873	
Health	Appeared and sounded healthy	

Physical fitness	Very Active	

Horsemanship	Good skills	

Character Reference	Upstanding	

Education	Read & Write 
English or French	

Minimum age	18	

Maximum age	40	

 Level Required to join NWMP in 1873	Requirements
	Level Required to join 
RCMP Today	
	Health	
	
	Physical fitness		
	Horsemanship	
	
	Character Reference		
	Education	
	
	Minimum age	
	
	Maximum age	

		

	

	

			

	

4.1 b) Loyalty was a very important quality from the beginning of the
 Mounted Police. 

1. a) Who was the Queen in 1873 ?    

   b)  Why were police officers and soldiers required to swear an 
         Oath of Allegiance to the Queen in 1873?

   c)  What did this require the police officers to do? 

	2. Why did police officers have to take an Oath of Office?
	    What did this require the police officers to do? 

	3. Compare the Oath of Office for 1873 and today.  Check the RCMP
             website or contact your local RCMP office.

4. How does the RCMP check the background and security of some
    applying to join the force today?  Why is this important?

Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office, 1874
--

A scanned version of the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office are available on page 6 of the Service File of Robert Ralph Scott (# 152) at the following link:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/nwmp-pcno/001032-119.02-e.php?&person_id_nbr=56088&page_sequence_nbr=1&&page_id=56088_6&&&&&&&&&PHPSESSID=ple4nk3phpd90f7u2kps87vj57 

4.2  The Mounted Police’s March West in 1874
Canada set up the North West Mounted Police in 1873 to take control of its new territory west of Red River and the new province of Manitoba.  American traders were extending their business into the Northwest and some American politicians and Fenians were looking fondly towards this territory.  Some American whiskey traders were setting up forts on Canadian land and trading alcohol to First Nations.  Some of these traders had attacked and killed a number of First Nations near Cypress Hills in Canada.  Prime Minister John A. Macdonald was afraid that the “Indian Wars” would spread from the USA to Canada.  It was decided to recruit 300 men for the NWMP and have them march across the west just north of the Canada- U.S.A. boundary to establish law and order.  They were told to arrested any American whiskey traders, reassure the First Nations and Métis, and the small number of settlers around Hudson Bay Company posts.  The NWMP were also to help prepare the way for the Canadian Government to negotiate treaties with the First Nations, the building of a railway to British Columbia and the coming of settlers. 
Commissioner George French led the March West from Fort Dufferin.  He had a copy of Captain John Palliser’s map from an expedition in the 1850s, but it was not very accurate.  Palliser noted that the land along the USA boundary was quite dry.  The NWMP found the land quite dry during the summer of 1874 and tried to follow along the rivers as much as possible to feed and water their 100s of horses, oxen, cattle and calves.
There are clickable maps available at the Our Heritage Centre and Historical Research Centre on the March West.  The third link will also take students to sketches by Henri Julien.
http://www.ourheritage.net/Steele_pages/Steele_clickable_map.html
http://www.ourheritage.net/index_page_stuff/Following_Trails/NWMP_Background/MapofMarchWest.html
http://www.ourheritage.net/index_page_stuff/Following_Trails/NWMP_Background/NWMP_ClickMap.html

Evidence
Memoirs and Diaries of the March West
We have some accounts of the March West.  Commissioner French and Henri Julien, a reporter and artist for the Canadian Illustrated News magazine, kept diaries.  Some other men kept notes and Sam Steele remembered the March West in his memoirs.  These notes show some of the challenges that faced the first members of the NWMP on the prairies.
The 3 men travelled together during the first 5 entries from July 8 – July 26.  From July 30 to September 30 Sam Steele is with Inspector Jarvis travelling north and west to Fort Edmonton.  Commissioner French and reporter Julien travel together from July 30 to September 30, but have quite different roles.  Commissioner French had invited Henri Julien to come on this trip.  However, French is the Commanding Officer leading a new group of Mounties.  Julien is a reporter and artist who is making sketches and keeping notes on what he sees for future publication in his magazine.  The most dramatic difference in their notes is on the very first day, July 8, when Julien notes that a number of Mounties were unhappy with the conditions and deserted across the border to the USA. This raises interesting questions about why French and Steele do not mention this embarrassing event in their personal notes!

Reflections on Evidence
a) What do you think was the most significant experience for each of these
 3 men on the March West?

b) What questions would you like to ask Steele, French or Julien about their
 experiences between July 8 and September 30, 1874?

c) In the first 5 entries between July 8 and July 26, how did their accounts
 support each other?

d) In what ways did their first 5 entries differ and why do you think they
 might have been different?

e) What lessons about Evidence should historians take from these 
	documents?

f) What would we know about the March West if we did not have any
          written records from the people who participated in the March West?

4.2.1  Memoirs and Diaries – As you read the accounts on pages 13-23 you may want to take some notes to answer the 
                                                      questions above.
1874	Edited accounts including 
Sam Steele’s Memoirs	Diary of Commissioner 
George Arthur French	Diary of Henri Julien, 
Artist & Journalist	
July 8
				
July 9
				
July 24
				
July 25
				
July 26
				
July 30
				
Aug. 15
				
Aug. 16
				
Aug. 25
				
Sept. 2
				
Sept. 6
				
Sept. 7
				
Sept. 30

The 1874 March West Accounts of Sam Steele, George French and Henri Julien
Edited accounts including Sam Steele’s Memoirs (July 8-Nov. 1, 1874)
	Commissioner George Arthur French
Diary (July 8 – Sept. 30, 1874)	Diary of Henri Julien, Artist & Journalist  (June 6 – Nov. 24, 1874)	

July 8, 1874 
The first camp was merely a "pull out," commonly called for many years a " Hudson's Bay Start," very necessary so that before finally launching into the unknown one could see that nothing had been forgotten, or that if one had taken too much, being so near to the base, the mistake could be easily corrected.
	
July 1874,    Wednesday, 8th --  
Left the Commission Camping ground at Dufferin, about 5 p.m., and moved out to the little lake, distance two miles. Several teams very baulky in moving off.

	
July 8th
After recovering our horses, with the loss of only two, http://www.ourheritage.net/julien_pages/Leavingcolor.htmlwe at length set out from Dufferin. Our Force consisted of 22 officers, 287 men-called Constables and Sub-Constables - 310 horses, 67 wagons, 114 ox-carts, 18 yoke of oxen, 50 cows and 40 calves. This long procession filed out of Dufferin in the afternoon of the 8th of July and camped about two miles out.
Now we are in for it. Until now, it had been all plain sailing - fresh horses, plenty of rest, easy stages and untired bodies. But from this point, the real difficulties of the expedition became apparent. The very keeping together of so vast a caravan, with so many sluggard animals as oxen, cows and calves, through the untravelled country, was bound to be wearisome. Then there was the ride itself, over hundreds of miles, which. to the unhardy, was no trifling test of endurance. Add to this that the military regulations had to be severely enforced. No wonder then that the chicken-hearted in our band began to make wry faces. It would have been fortunate if they had done no more. But this was not to be our luck.
At Dufferin, thirty or thirty-five of the men deserted the service and took leg bail over the frontier (US border), where, of course, they were safe from pursuit. After the first encampment, two miles from Dufferin, four or five more followed their example. There is no doubt that this had a bad effect on the Force, which, for a few days was quite manifest, but gradually the distractions of the route effaced it, and we all came to the conclusion that we were well rid of these cowardly fellows who would have bred trouble at every turn.
Later, as I shall tell, the men had reasons for complaint in regard to rations and general comfort; but, at the beginning no ground existed therefor. Throughout, the treatment of the men, so far as their officers were concerned, was such as every soldier receives in a campaign.

July 9, 1874 
The column made only 10 miles... It was about two and a half miles in length when closed up...and...must have presented a curious appearance with its motley string of ox-carts, ox-waggons, cattle for slaughter, cows, calves, mowing machines, etc.	
Thursday, (July) 9th – 
Found we could not transport all the stuff we had started with, returned a quantity of things into store, viz., 2 loads of syrup & c. When about to move off had to place Inspector R--- in arrest for using insubordinate language. Went over a mile past the bend of the Marais River, but had to turn back to the bend, as there was no other water in the vicinity. Soil excellent, but no wood from the little lake to the Marais.

July 9 - We reached the http://www.ourheritage.net/julien_pages/Pembina_River.htmlPembina River. It is a muddy stream, the water of which is very bad.	

July 24, 1874 
At St. Peter's springs we found only a group of dirty mud holes, so had to set to work to make several wells. Sawing barrels in half, we bored holes in the bottoms of them, and set them in the spring, and soon had them running over with fine clear water. 

Friday, (July) 24th – 
Left at 4 a.m. Great rivalry between the Troops as to who should be off first. “A” Troop got off at 3:30, marched 16 miles to St. Peter’s Springs, found a dirty mud-hole, set to work and made several wells, placed a barrel in one and banked it round with stones for the benefit of Macleod, and any others who might come on. Watered nearly 300 hoses from this well. Soil generally poor, no wood or water of consequence. In afternoon marched for Roches Percees and passed it, camping on the banks of the Souris at Short Creek. Very good camping ground, wood, water and grass.

	July 24th-We had pemmican for the first time and found it very good. It is made by roughly pounding dried meat placed in a bag of raw buffalo skin with the hair outside. Boiling tallow is next pounded in. It then hardens and will keep for years. It is much improved by mixing cherries in it, and using marrow instead of tallow.
Dried meat, the jerked meat of South America, is prepared by cutting three slices of the flesh along the grain and drying them in the sun. on willow or dogwood scaffolding. This will also keep very well. Both pemmican and dried meat are very wholesome.
Indians and Métis will live on either for days and weeks and prefer it to any other prepared meats.
The marrow (in Pemmican) is prepared by breaking the bones and boiling them. The marrow floats and is poured into bladders. On cooling it hardens to the consistency of butter, and protected from the action of the air in bladders, it keeps very well. It is used instead of butter http://www.ourheritage.net/julien_pages/Inside_Metis.htmlin the kitchens and on the tables of the Métis throughout the North-West. Pounded meat is dried meat pounded till the fibre is all separated. It looks for all the world like short tow. Eaten with marrow I found it delicious .
In Roche Percee Valley is a third branch of the Souris, which goes by the name Riviere Courte.(Short Creek) We camped a few yards from it. and found good feed, wood and water. I saw a large flock of vultures on reaching the valley, being drawn thither by the carcasses of buffalo which strewed the environs. On the roadside we stumbled over a buffalo skull to which the hair still adhered.
It was here decided that Troop "A", under command of Col. W. D. Jarvis should pass by Fort Ellice and push on to Fort Edmonton. He was to take along all extra baggage and stores to Ellice. We are to go as far as Bow River.

July 25, 1874 
http://www.ourheritage.net/Julien_pages/Shortcolor.htmlAt Short Creek, on the banks of the Souris, by La Roche Percée, " A " division under Inspector Jarvis left the rest of the train, to proceed to Fort Edmonton via Forts Ellice and Carlton, a distance of 875 miles by trail. 

Saturday, (July)  25th – 
Camped on the Souris, and propose remaining a few days to rest horses and oxen, and break up train, taking with the main body merely what is absolutely necessary. Shurtliff came in about 11 a.m. and reported his arrival. He is camped 10 miles west, at Wood End Depot, on the Boundary Commission road, has been there for four days; has only 6 horses for me, having sent some to Fort Garry to draw out provisions for his own party. Chapman and Dr. Nevitt arrived, bringing letters; they left the iron hopples behind; left one horse on the road played out, not to be wondered at considering the thoughtless way they drove, starting late and driving fast.
	
July 25th-
We reached http://www.ourheritage.net/julien_pages/Roche.htmlRoche Percee. This singular rock is a white sandstone of wind formation, running up like a crest from the bottom of the Souris Valley. At its base. it measures about 35 feet in height and the base about 140 feet. Some parts are softer than others, and from the combined influence of wind and rain, fissures and holes have been worn through it. On different parts of the rock are cut the names of people who have passed by and many hieroglyphics which, of course, remain a mystery to us.

July 26, 1874 
The commissioner was compelled to transfer the majority of the men and all of our horses except the officers' chargers to other divisions, and Jarvis received in their stead the quartermaster and several of the youngest and weakest men, 55 sick and almost played-out horses recovering from a severe attack of epizootic, 24 waggons, 55 ox-carts with 12 drivers, 62 oxen, 50 cows and 50 calves to help us on to Fort Ellice. 

(On July 29 Inspector Jarvis and Sam Steele’s company turn north0west on the way to Edmonton and go in a different direction from Commissioner French and Henri Julien who continue west toward Cypress Hills near the Canada- U.S.A. boundary to the foothills of the Rockies.)
	
Sunday, 26th – 
Weather still very fine, thermometer fell to 32 last night, rising to 86 in the afternoon. Had regular church parade under the senior officer of each persuasion; I took the Church of England party myself, the number being in excess of all the other persuasions. Much pleased to hear many of the men singing hymns in the afternoon and evening; unfortunately, the language of a great many is by no means Scriptural.
	
July 26th-
Sunday, and we improved it to enjoy a thorough repose after the arduous marching of the week. We turned out quite late in the morning. and after copious ablutions, with general furbishing of accoutrements, http://www.ourheritage.net/julien_pages/Hymnsing.htmlwe gathered together for Divine Service.
The scene was very impressive. A band from Fort Ellice joined us on this day - seven men and a few horses - commanded by Captain A. Shurtliff, who is to return to Fort Ellice and keep on military farming. We spent four days at Roche Percee recruiting generally. Nine miles further on was Wood End Depot, an ominous name, which warned us to lay in a store of bread and cooked meat. as we were not to find a stick of wood in the next three days' march. Luckily we had plenty of water.	

July 30, 1874 
Erroneous reports of travellers in the northern part of the prairie region had been made to the effect that horses could do 40 miles a day on grass. The people forgot to say that they had ridden and driven on horseback and in buck-boards with a herd of acclimatized native ponies driven behind them, and none of them were obliged to be under saddle or in harness for more than a couple of hours in the day at most. 

Thursday, (July) 30th – 
Remained all day at Wood End Depot to allow men to cook and bake 3 days rations, and secure a supply of wood for 3 days more, as it is doubtful whether we will be able to get wood for a week. Made a road across the river. I narrowly escaped a bad injury, my horse falling in one of the countless badger holes that are about, throwing me some distance over his head. Writing official reports and letters, sending off pay lists, & C., did not get to bed until after 12 and up again at 4 a.m. Coal exposed on river bank.
	
July 30th-
We http://www.ourheritage.net/julien_pages/Shortcolor.htmlcamped on the plateau on Long Valley and Creek, choosing a spot where a fine spring welled out of the foot of the hill.
About a quarter of a mile from the camp there was the grave of an Indian woman. Leveille, one of our interpreters, helped to bury her some twelve years ago. She was one of a party of buffalo hunters.
Where Métis winter the buffalo is hunted on snowshoes, and in the deep snow he becomes an easy prey. Parties then travel with dogs and on flat sleds made of white oak. Immediately south of us was seen as a blue elevation the Missouri Plateau. the region of the Yellowstone and of General Custer's border warfare against the red skins. On Roche Percee we had read the words "And his scouts 1865". They were a part of Custer's force. We were told that two detachments of American soldiers were camped a little west by south of us. We did not visit them, however, but remained in camp while a fatigue squad with pickaxes and shovels made a road down the hill to cross Long Creek Valley.	

August 15, 1874 
The valley, which is more than a mile wide, was very pretty, partly timbered, and there were occasional grassy bottoms on which large herds of ponies, many of them pintos (piebald), and numbers of cattle were grazing.
	
Saturday, (August)  15th – 
At same place. A waggon and 11 carts with dried meat and pemmican passed to-day, had them searched for liquor, but found none; they belonged to a man named Ouillette; they report poor grass ahead. A camp of over 100 tents of half-breeds, Crees, Saulteaux, & c., four days march off, say halfway to Cypress Mountain. They are awaiting the buffalo. Shoeing and repacking waggons and carts.
	
Aug. 15th-
Young Morin, our new guide for the Cypress Mountains, arrived, having left Wood Mountain at 10 in the forenoon. He reached camp at 8 in the evening, having travelled 40 miles. He reported that the Boundary Commission depot on White Creek had been robbed by Sioux Indians. Furthermore, some of the men of the Boundary Commission, who had come on to Wood Mountain, reported that some Indians and one white man had been killed on the road. The latter was tied to a tree and gashed all over with knives.
It seems that the Blackfeet Indians did not fancy our coming into their country. 

August 16, 1874 
Our horses and cattle were turned out on the flats, and as there were quicksands in different places we had a good deal of practice hauling them out of those death traps, which the Indian ponies knew enough to avoid.

We pulled out from Fort Ellice towards the west, leaving behind us the quartermaster, the sick men, half of the cows and calves, a large quantity of provisions and stores and several horses, which were not in good enough condition to be brought with us.	
Sunday, (August)  16th – 
A scout came in with our guide from Wood Mountain, he is a hard looking case, describes himself as a trapper, and says he trapped on the Bow River 3 years ago. Many think him a spy for the outlaws.

Aug. 15th (continued) =
In company of Morin were a Sioux and an American scout by the name of Morse. The latter excited a good deal of curiosity and some anxiety as to the object of his visit. He represented himself as wanting work and wishing to hire himself as scout west of Cypress Mountain, stating that he knew all that country well and all about Bow River and its people. He informed us that the smugglers in that region were strongly fortified in block houses, with underground magazines and hiding holes.

August 25, 1874 
There were signs of prairie fires having run over the country the previous autumn. These had done a good deal of damage to the islands of poplar.

Tuesday,  (August) 25th -- Left at 7:30 a.m. Having to cut down the banks somewhat and make a crossing. Road strikes north here to avoid creeks. We are travelling on the Plain Hunters’ trail that we crossed yesterday. Arrived about noon at a valley in the Cypress Hills, where the Plain Hunters and the Indians have been encamped. Grass not very good, water bad and difficult access for horses.
	
Aug. 25th-
We reached Cypress Hills and camped on the banks of one of several small lakes on the northern side. These hills lie between the 49th and 50th parallels, nearer the latter, and run on the edge of the great Missouri watershed. We remained there several days until the arrival of Macleod and Walker with 2,100 pounds of oats which they had gone forward to fetch.	

September 2, 1874 
On the Salt Plain we met several brigades of carts driven by hunters, freighters and traders with packs of buffalo robes, dried meat and pemmican. 

	
Wednesday, (September) 2nd – 
Started about 7 a.m. When out about two hours rode up to the advance guard, and observed some moving objects near the left flankers, rode out there, flankers thought they were ponies. On going a little further I felt certain they were buffaloes. Presently they began running, leaving no doubt in the matter. I took a carbine from one of the men, and made after them, headed them and turned them towards the train, fired at one which dropped back, and was despatched by some one else; three went across the creek, I went after them, and was joined by the Scout Morreau and Levallee, we each shot one, I fired into the Scout’s buffalo as he stood at bay, and dropped him. This was a very fine beast about 10 years old; he made, when dressed, 953 lbs. ration meat.

Sept. 2nd-
A special field day. Five buffalo bulls were brought down. Col. French particularly distinguished himself killing two, the largest of which furnished 955 pounds of ration meat. I was determined not to let the occasion slip without having my little fun also. Sallying forward with two companions, I reconnoitered among the gullies and bluffs for a considerable time without meeting any encouragement. My comrades fell back, but determining not to be baulked, I took courage and "went it alone". The road was very discouraging. The declivities and ravines were covered with boulders and cut up with holes. Scrambling through as well as I could, I at length thought I espied three black points in the far distance. I rode on in that direction and was rewarded by the sight of a grand skedaddle.
Three fine bulls leaped up from their lair and darted across the plain. Of course here was my chance and I followed. Two of the stronger bulls got away from me, but the third remained within range and I let fly at him. My first shot took effect but it did not retard the progress of the goaded animal. So away in his wake! A second successful shot, but still the brute pushed forward. He fell on one knee as he felt my second ball, but immediately rose and fled for his life.
I pursued a considerable distance and had a third shot which proved fatal. The noble animal stopped, fell, quivered and died. My companions standing on a hill watched my chase in the prairie below and when they beheld my success sent up a cheer. When I got off my horse to survey my victim, I found that I was nearly half dead myself. '
Riding at such a pace over rocks and drifts, holding a heavy rifle poised in my hands, loading and firing, anxiety and keen desire-all these had completely exhausted me, my back was nearly broken, my knees and ankles were peeled. And for my poor Old Rooster, to whose honor it must be said, that he did his whole duty on that eventful day, his flanks and belly steamed with sweat and blood. In my excitement I had spurred him unmercifully, and my rowels were all bent.

September 6, 1874 

It (the pemmican) was cooked in two ways in the west; one a stew of pemmican, water, flour and, if they could be secured, wild onions or preserved potatoes. This was called "rubaboo"; the other was called by the plain hunters a " rechaud." It was cooked in a frying-pan with onions and potatoes or alone. Some persons ate pemmican raw, but I must say that I never had a taste for it that way. 	
Sunday, (September) 6th – 

Started at 2:30 p.m. to get pasture, which the Scout reported five miles ahead, he brought us a very northerly course. I objected to halt in the coule which he pointed out as there was no grass there, sent him on to another one about 1 1/2 miles, when he returned, and had the assurance to state it was the Belly River, and that we were at our journey’s end, and that the Bow River was just a mile down. I told him we were at least 70 miles from Bow River… [A]n error of 8 or 10 miles in Palliser’s map is a trifle. … There is not a soul in camp that knows this place, and the Scout has brought us nearly a day’s march out of our road during the last two days, and he would make it still worse to-morrow. I am not quite certain whether his actions are due to ignorance or design. He is the greatest liar I have ever met. He is suspected as being a spy of the whoop up villains, but there is nothing definite or tangible to show this. Although I have never been here I will do the guide myself to-morrow. If I could have relied on Palliser’s map, I would have taken this duty sooner.
	
Sept. 6th-

We unexpectedly struck a river which proved to be the South Saskatchewan, broad, rapid and clear. There we encamped for the night, having http://www.ourheritage.net/julien_pages/Buffalohunt.htmlkilled some more buffalo. There was no grass for the horses, however, and they were in consequence much pulled down.	

September 7, 1874 
The day was spent crossing the south branch of the Saskatchewan aided by a cable ferry which was already established there. The cattle had to swim across. 

Monday, (September) 7th – 
Left at 5 a.m. Finding fair grass about 4 1/2 miles out, stopped to feed horses and cattle. The buffaloes hitherto shot have been bulls, but to-day a large herd, containing a number of cows and calves, ran close to the line of the march, about 10 of them were killed. No grass or water, had liquid mud for tea. All day to-day kept on a ridge from 2 to 3 miles from the river, and thereby avoided crossing a number of short deep coules flowing into the Saskatchewan. Found coal on river bank
	
Sept. 7th-
We moved on some miles, but could not get to the river on account of the steep banks.

Sept. 8th-
The same thing happened. Our horses still suffered very much. The weather was rainy and cold, and we found no wood, but plenty of "buffalo chips".

September 30, 1874 
The horses suffered much more than the oxen as the nights became colder when they lay down to rest the unfortunate brutes became so stiff that they could not rise without help. I had to call the men up many times during the night to lift them by main force and rub their stiffened limbs to restore the circulation. This occurred so often that the men themselves became exhausted from fatigue and want of sleep. 
	
Tuesday, (September) 29th – 
Sighted the Milk River shortly after starting. About 5 p.m. came across a party of Assiniboines on foot, they said they were going to steal hoses from the Blackfeet. Gave then some coffee and some biscuits. Two of them had Henry rifles. Crossed Milk River and met our people at lake N.E. 8 miles therefrom. 
The following distances were travelled by the main body after my leaving it for Benton, viz:
22nd....................................10 1/2 miles
23rd.....................................14 1/2 “
24th.....................................21 3/4 “
25th.....................................22 1/2 “
	
Sept. 29th-
The Commissioner arrived accompanied by an American guide and Leveille, a nephew of our old guide, originally from Sorel, and a man of some means. He had been in the North-West for 20 years. Nineteen horses were bought for the force from the Americans at Fort Benton. We also got provisions in the shape of potatoes, syrup, etc.

4.3 Historical Perspective - Sam Steele on the First Nations and Métis
Sam Steele had an opportunity to meet, observe and interact with many First Nations and Métis during his career in the West from 1870 to 1899.

During his day-to-day police work he had to deal with law-breakers from all ethnic groups.  His pocket notebooks recorded the investigation and arrest of people for drinking, smuggling, assault, horse theft, the rare murder and other matters.  In his memoirs Steele could look back and reflect on the development of the West and the changes in the lives of First Nations and Métis.

The following selections from Sam Steele, Forty Years in Canada, present a few of Steele’s observations.  The Chart on page 32 will help you record some of Steele’s obsedrvations as you work individually and in small groups.  After a class discussion you may be asked to respond to the Reflection questions on p. 33.

1. Smallpox Epidemic 1869-1870
“For several months before the (arrival) of the troops to Fort Garry smallpox had been raging on the plains of the far west from the Missouri to the North Saskatchewan (Rivers).  This scourge so fatal to the red man, …spread until many camps were depopulated…and sending destruction through the Peigans, Blackfeet, Crees and Stonies; in fact through all our Indian tribes.” pp. 35-36  

2. Louis Riel and the Indians, 1870
“Lieutenant Butler had seen Riel and had the latest news from Fort Garry.  It was far from reassuring to those who desired peace.  Both parties were at daggers drawn and afraid of the Indians, who at that time were very powerful, but always loyal and peaceful if justly treated.”  p. 24

3.  Metis in Red River, 1870
“The village of St. Boniface lay on the right bank of the Red River and was the residents of Bishop Tache…; his residence and the cathedral were for that time very fine buildings, and there were several comfortable and a convent.  The cathedral was well attended by the Metis large numbers of whom could be seen going to and from it every Sunday.  Each would be respectably dressed in the costume of the country, the men in long blue coats with bright brass buttons, gay sashes and fur caps, which would now be worth 1000 dollars, corduroy… trousers, leggings and moccasins beautifully ornamented with beads or worked in silk.  The women wore, as a rule, dark-coloured skirts of silk, beaded or silk worked moccasins, and they had dark-coloured shawls over their heads instead of hats or bonnets.”  p.30

4.  Meetings with the Blackfeet

        “On December 1 (1875?)  Chapo Muxico, or Crowfoot, Chief of the 
Blackfeet, came in to visit (Lt.-Col. Macleod ), and a few days later all the 
chiefs of the Bloods, Peigans and Blackfeet, headed by Crow- 
foot, came for a pow-wow with "Stamixotokan," as they 
called him on account of the bull's head over his door. Some 
say they gave him this name because of the crest of the Macleods 
which he had in his Glengarry cap. Upon being introduced 
by the interpreter, Jerry Potts, they all shook hands and 
expressed their pleasure at meeting him. They then sat down 
and Jerry Potts lighted a pipe and handed it to the principal 
chief, who took a few puffs and then passed it to the others. 
All remained silent and waited to hear what the white chief 
had to say. 
Lt.-Col. Macleod explained to them why the government had sent the 
force into the country, and gave them a general idea of the 
laws that would be enforced, telling them that not only the 
white men but Indians also were to be punished for breaking 
them. He impressed upon them that they need not fear 
being punished for what they did not know to be wrong, and 
assured them that the force did not come to take away their 
land, an intimation which they received with great satisfaction. 
He told them that when the government wished to speak to 
them, their great men would be sent to meet the chiefs of 
the tribes, and that they would know the intentions of the 
government before anything was done. 
When the assistant commissioner had ended, Crowfoot, 
the personification of grace, rose and shook hands with the 
white chief and all the white men present. Then he bared 
his right arm and, with eloquent gestures and eyes flashing fire, 
made a long speech, thanking the One Above who is our Chief 
and the Great Mother for sending the Mounted Police to save 
them from the effects of the cursed fire-water, which was 
destroying their young men, and for the peace that was to 
come.  … Several of the chiefs besides Crowfoot stated 
that they were delighted at the arrival of the force, and they told 
how they were being robbed and ruined by the whisky trade; 
how their wives, horses and robes were taken from them; 
how their young men were continually engaged in drunken 
riots, and numbers of them shot dead; how their horses were 
gradually decreasing in numbers, so that before long they 
would not have enough to chase the buffalo and would 
have no means of procuring food.  Now all that was to 
be changed. One chief said, "Before you came the Indian 
crept along, now he is not afraid to walk erect." This pow-wow 
had a good effect. The war between the Blackfeet and the 
Crees ceased from the time the force arrived.”  
pp. 79-80 

5. Negotiating Treaties with the Cree in 1877

“The Indians performed “Dance of the Stem” in a very elaborate manner.  Several “Stems” were used on this occasion, the bearers advancing gracefully to the beat of their Tom-Toms; ermine skins festooned the “Stems”, which were stroked in turn by the commissioners and Lt.-Col. Macleod.  The pipes were smoked when that was concluded, the Lieutenant Governor, chiefs and commissioners passing the stem from one to the other, the chiefs pointing it to the north, south, east and west before smoking.
The horsemanship of the warriors as they advanced was even more daring than at Carlton.  Each Indian was beautifully painted and mounted on his war horse or buffalo runner.  They formed in line about 500 yards from the tent, broke away from the flanks in a double serpentine, the horses at their utmost speed, and finally halted in line about 50 yards from the tent.  Two of them on this performance met with an accident through one of the horses putting its foot in a badger hole, this causing a collision which put the hip of one of the warriors out of joint and seriously injured both horses.  Fortunately our surgeon was present and gave immediate relief to the injured man.  The ceremony did not cease for a moment owing to this accident, nor was the least surprise (shown).
The Lieutenant Governor addressed the chiefs and headmen as at fort Carlton.  He told them that the red-coated servants of the Queen had come to protect them when it was learned that a large number of Assiniboines had been murdered at the Cypress Hills by the American traders, and that they would protect them from fire-water and from murder, would preserve peace, and prevent whites from injuring the Indians; they must know, therefore, that when they met the red-coats they met friends.  Sweet Grass, a fine Indian, was the principal chief, and, on the conclusion of the Lieutenant Governor’s speech, shook hands with him and asked for the full terms of the treaty.  These were carefully explained, and received with the “how-how” of approval from the assembled Indians, who next day considered the treaty in (their) council.
On September 9 the treaty was signed, uniforms, flags and metals were presented and the band played “God Save the Queen”.  The Indians were paid the same afternoon and presents distributed, the numerous traders realizing a large harvest of dollars.  Amongst the chiefs who had come to Fort Pitt was Big Bear, whose band afterwards massacred the people at Frog Lake, … .  He did not sign the treaty nor had he any intention of doing so, but he signified to the Lieutenant Governor that he agreed to its provisions.”
p. 105-106

Other Negotiation Issues Raised by the Cree
(on Capital Punishment, Paying for Wood, Payment for absent members, Poisoning Wolves to get their Hides)       
“Big Bear did his utmost to extract a promise that there would be no hanging.  He seemed in great fear of the rope, but was given to understand that anyone who took life must die for his crime.”
“Button Chief …ask(ed) that the Indians be paid for the wood used by the Mounted Police for fuel, etc. … .”
“…requests were made during these payments such as premiums for the babies that were to come and for blind brothers and sisters who could not attend.” 
- The above requests were not agreed to and were not included in the treaties.
“We hope…that you will not let the white men use poison on the prairies;  it kills horses and buffalo as well as wolves, and it may kill men.  We can ourselves kill the wolves and set traps for them.”  …Chief Ancient Sun 
“The putting of poison for wolves was much objected to by the Indians, …  when a considerable number of white men, styled “wolfers,” made a living by that means, and their cabins were to be seen along the rivers.  Laws had been…passed to prevent the careless use of poison, and the Mounted Police kept a sharp look out to prevent “wolfing” in a reckless way, viz. throwing poison about wholesale.  It had been a common thing a few years before the law was passed to see dozens of wolves lying dead near the poisoned carcase of a bison.”  Sam Steele
- The Mounted Police agreed with this request.
p.106, 120, 121

6. Importance of the Buffalo, 1876 - 1877

“During the winter we had proofs of the ease with which 
buffaloes and antelopes can be tamed. We captured two 
yearling buffalo calves, which within a few weeks would go out 
to graze on the prairie every morning and in the evening before 
dark return to the corral, where they would play with the 
men. Several times I met them a mile from the fort without 
exciting in them the slightest alarm. Some antelopes were 
secured and ere long could be turned loose, and would frolic 
with the Indian children and the only white child in the post, 
circling round them like kittens. They would encourage the 
dogs to chase them, keeping them within a few feet, and then 
by a sudden burst of speed distance them like a flash. 

I was in T. C. Powers' store one day when one of our antelopes,
 not more than a month in captivity, came into the 
building. As it was not wanted Mr. Williamson, the accountant, 
got a biscuit from a box behind the counter and coaxed 
the little beast outside. Next day it returned, went round 
the counter to the biscuit box and helped itself. 

It is a great pity that no attempt was made in those days to 
domesticate the buffalo on a large scale so that such a useful 
animal should not be lost to us. They could have been easily 
captured at a small cost per head, and no doubt the plain- 
hunters and Indians would have been glad to do the work. 
In the hunts the calves were left far behind and when the 
hunters returned the calves ran round the horses' legs, taking 
them for their mothers, and would follow them into camp, 
where they were killed for their meat and hides. …

After the treaty payments, large numbers of the Indians 
came to the hills to hunt buffalo, but there were none. They 
were south of the border on their way north, and if left alone 
would have returned to Canada. Lt.-Col. Irvine did his best 
to induce the Indians and the Metis hunters to remain near 
Fort Walsh, and rations were issued to them, but all was in 
vain. The Sioux from Wood Mountain, Pinto Horse Butte, 
and other points east of us along the border line began to hunt 
on the north side of the great herd, turning it back into the 
United States, whence it was never to return.” 
pp. 114-115, 146-167

7. Gabriel Dumont, a Leader of the Metis @ 1877

The general met Gabriel Dumont at Batoches crossing on the 
south branch, and had a conference with him, which resulted in 
clearing the air. He then passed on to Carlton, crossed the 
North Saskatchewan, and continued his march west. 	

The true reason for all the fuss was that Gabriel Dumont had 
enforced the law of the plains on one of the band of hunters 
to which he belonged, and of which he was virtually the chief. 
Information was laid against him for assault, etc. A warrant 
was issued by a local J .P., recently appointed, and an attempt 
was made to arrest him, but without success. No violence 
was used, however, nor were any of the police employed. 
The law of the plains was necessary that there might be a 
proper system when the large number of plain-hunters were 
out. No member of the band was permitted to leave camp until 
all were ready to run the buffalo, lest the herds in the vicinity 
should be stampeded and the hunters have to break camp. 
and make a long march before they could overtake them. 
It will thus be observed that the law was not only necessary. 
but should have been provided for when the country was taken 
over by the Dominion government. 

Gabriel Dumont was a remarkable Metis, who, with careful 
and just treatment, might have been educated to become 
one of the most loyal citizens of Canada. He was very much 
of the red man, far from faultless, extravagant, never looking 
out for the morrow; but, as with his … relatives, 
his good qualities far outweighed his bad, and he was a man 
whom many leading white men were glad to call friend. An 
old comrade of mine who had starved, hunted, feasted, and 
worked with him, and knew him in his hours of play, joy and 
sorrow, considered him one of the kindest and bravest of 
men. His equal as a hunter and horseman it was difficult to 
find. He was a great scout, and knew the plains as well as 
a housewife knows her kitchen. 

One might travel the plains from one end to the other and 
talk to the Metis hunters and never hear an unkind word said 
of Dumont. He would kill bison by the score and give them 
to those who were either unable to kill or had no buffalo. 
Not until every poor member of the hunting-parties had his 
cart filled with meat would he begin to fill his own. When 
in trouble the cry of all was for Gabriel. … All turned to 
Gabriel when there was any grave crisis, the oldest paying 
attention to his word. “
pp. 92-93

Groups and their Leaders
	
Challenges facing these Aboriginal Peoples in the 1870s	
Sam Steele’s Perspective from 1915	

 Indians and 
Métis of Red 
River in1870

			

Crowfoot & 
Blackfeet Confederacy

			

Sweet Grass
& the Cree 
Nation

			

Dumont & Buffalo Hunting Metis of the Plains

			

Reflection

a) What were some of the advantages and disadvantages of Canadian expansion into the West from the perspective of the Aboriginal Peoples?

b) In what ways was the presence of the NWMP an advantage for the Aboriginal Peoples?

c) In what ways was the presence of the NWMP a disadvantage for the Aboriginal Peoples?

c)) How did the Cree Chiefs raise the question of ownership of natural resources in the 1870s and what are some similar arguments that some First Nations make today?

4.4  Policing During the Building of the Canadian Pacific Railway

Sam Steele was placed in charge of the police detachments along the construction route of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1882. There were many single men and men without their families working on the railway.  Gamblers, saloon owners and alcohol smugglers followed the construction crews and offered ways for the workers to spend their pay or tried to trick them out of their money.  The NWMP were required to maintain law and order and enforce an alcohol free zone of 10 miles on either side of the tracks.  This was very difficult to do. 

The Mounted Police also provided some protection to the paymaster when money arrived to pay the contractors and workers. Senior police officers served as Justices of the Peace who set bail terms, tried minor cases and held preliminary hearings on more serious charges.  Junior officers often served as prosecutors who presented cases against the accused.  Arresting officers testified against the accused that they had arrested along with other witnesses that they had called.  Police officers took convicted people and put them in cells that were often attached to their barracks.  In the early days the fines and confiscated goods like buffalo robes and furs were used by the police or sold to cover the costs of building forts and barracks.

Sometimes the railway company or the contractors ran short of money and were slow to pay their workers.  The workers did not have regular unions.  Prime Minster John A. Macdonald had passed a law in 1872 that had changed unions from being treated as criminal organizations stopping trade to legal organizations for people to negotiate wages, hours of work and some working conditions.  However, unions were intended only for skilled workers like printers and were not intended for labourers or construction workers.  

In 1885 the Canadian Pacific Railway Company was running out of money and loans and was on the edge of bankruptcy.  The C.P.R. had negotiated a contract with the Canadian Government in 1881 that had given them large grants of money, large tracts of free land to sell to settlers, and freedom from paying taxes on the materials and equipment that they had to bring into Canada to build the railway.  However, building the railway was very expensive and there were very few goods or passengers to carry while it was being built.  The rugged and wet sections in the Canadian Shield in northern Ontario and in the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia were not quite finished in 1885.  Prime Minister John A. Macdonald did not think that he could get another loan for the CPR passed in Parliament.  However, when the Northwest Rebellion broke out in 1885, suddenly the Government needed to send an army to stop the rebellion and prevent US interference in the West.  Macdonald’s Government was able to get the votes to give more money to the CPR and the company was able to pay its workers and complete the last sections of the track.

Sam Steele tells his story about policing the railway line and dealing with two strikes.  Note that the strike in 1883 was settled quickly, peacefully and satisfactorily for both the companies and the workers.  The situation was different during the strike of 1885.

Historical Perspective

Summary of the Terms of the Contract between the Government of Canada and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, 1881

There were a number of amendments to support the Company and keep it out of bankruptcy prior to its completion of the railway in 1885.

1.	The Canadian government granted the Company $25,000,000.00 
2.	The Canadian government granted the Company about 1,000,000 ha. of land
3.	The Canadian government granted the Company the sections of the railway that were already built in the 1870s.
4.	The Canadian government allowed the Company to bring any building materials into the country without paying the tariff.
5.	The Canadian government granted the Company a monopoly on railway travel for 20 years.  No other railway would be allowed south of the C.P.R. line during this period. (The federal government would disallow any provincial law that tried to set up a railway to connect southward to railways in the U.S.A.)
6.	The land given to the Company was free from taxes for 20 years.
7.	The Company would never have to pay taxes on the railway buildings or grounds.
8.	The Company promised to finish building the railway by 1891 and to run it efficiently

Companies, Workers, Strikes and the NWM Police

In 1883
“	17I 
“Shortly after this a strike was threatened at Maple Creek on the line of construction, 600 miles west of Winnipeg, and I was ordered to proceed there with all of the available trained men in Regina, while Griesbach took my place on the recruiting station at Winnipeg.  
The strike ended in a satisfactory way for both parties, and then I was kept busy at magisterial duties, which [required] travelling along the railway from Medicine Hat to Moose Jaw, and although the work was constant I had not a bad time.  I got [to know] the officers of the C.P.R., the train men and other employees, all of whom were very good and most [cooperative].  I took my meals at the section houses or in the cabooses, and slept in the latter or on the prairie.  The court-houses were of a primitive character; on several occasions in what is now the prosperous town of Swift Current I tried cases while seated on a Red River cart, with a plank stretched across for the bench, the evidence being taken down on the flap of my despatch bag !

The railway construction of the year 1883 had commenced at Medicine Hat and was under the management of Mr. James Ross, a Highland Scotch engineer.  Mr. Donald Grant, a gigantic Canadian Highlander from Glengarry, was in charge of the tracklayers.  One always knew how many miles of steel he laid every day by the number of trains which passed to “the end of the track.”  Each of them contained the rails, ties and other materials for one mile of line and there were never less than four passing up every day, and once Mr. Grant beat all previous records by laying eight miles of line between sunrise and sunset.  Some years afterwards he beat his remarkable feat by laying ten miles on another railway.”  
p.171-172	

In 1885

“During the month of February and early in March, 1885, 
many of the men employed on the construction complained 
to me that they had not been paid for some time, and that 
the money was much needed for their homesteads in Manitoba, 
Minnesota and Dakota. In every case I [advised] patience, 
saying that the money would be coming and all claims 
settled, but in spite of my advice the complaints at last became 
serious. Having a thorough knowledge of what was going 
on, I learned that a strike was on the point of being arranged. 
When the numbers applying to me increased and the men spoke 
of striking I again asked them to wait, as there was no sense 
in worrying when there was a certainty of the money coming 
to them very shortly. In fact, I did everything in my power 
to [avoid] a strike, which I feared would lead to rioting and the 
destruction of property … .

There had been mutterings of rebellion in the North West 
Territory, which did not surprise me. It was, therefore, [clear]
that, in the event of a strike taking place, I should have no
help from that quarter, but I was confident that with the 
assistance of the railway stafi and other [leading] persons, 
and with the influence which we had with all classes, I could
control the situation. As it was my duty to give warning to
all concerned, I told Mr. Ross that a strike was likely to take
place at any moment, but I could not convince him of the
danger. On my return to camp I telegraphed to the Prime
Minister that a strike was imminent on the C.P.R. and 
the results might be serious. … “
p.196 

“The navvies had struck work on April I, and informed 
the manager of construction that unless paid up at once in full
and more regularly in future they would do no more work. 
They also openly talked of their intention to commit acts of
violence upon the staff of the road and destroy property. 
A deputation of their leaders came to see me, and I managed 
o sit up in my chair [having been sick] to receive them. I assured 
them that they made, a great mistake in striking and that, if they 
committed any act of violence and were not orderly in the strictest 
sense of the word, I should inflict on the offenders the 
severest punishment the law would allow me. They saw the 
manager of construction, who promised to do the best he could 
if they would return to their camps. Some were satisfied with 
this, and several hundreds returned to their work. Many 
remained at the Beaver, however, where a large number 
of loose characters { gamblers, rufians, and men who had 
worked on U.S. railways and then come north] were ready 
to urge them to any mischief, and pretended to be waiting 
for their money. They were apparently very quiet, but I learned 
that they had about 300 of their number, most of them armed 
with revolvers, who were to watch the strikers at the end of the 
track and prevent them from doing any work, and that they were 
ordering the tracklayers to strike, the teamsters to leave their 
teams and the bridgemen, who were Canadians, to stop work. 

I had only eight men at the Beaver, as I had sent detach- 
ments to the points threatened [by the rebellion], and instructed
the men to use the strictest measures with any who tried to 
prevent the work of construction. Amongst the men sent out was 
a small party from the post under the command of Sergeant Fury, 
who proceeded to the place where the tracklayers were to work. 
A train load of them had been sent out but, intimidated by 
the strikers, had been driven back to the yards. Mr. James 
Ross then mounted the engine and proceeded to the spot; 
when he came to the strikers' position he told the engineer 
to put on all steam and run past the crowd, which he did, and 
although several shots were fired no one was hurt. It was 
fortunate that this happened at the narrow canyon of the 
Beaver, for the cutting was only the width of the road bed, 
so that a few men could hold the position against a multi- 
tude. The strikers proceeded to follow the train, making a 
great uproar and firing their revolvers, but the tracklayers 
started to work at once, and Sergeant Fury drew his party 
across the canyon to meet the strikers' advance, and upon 
their arrival stepped to the front and announced that he 
would shoot anyone crossing the line. The strikers at this 
made a great noise and started a hostile demonstration, 
but the determined attitude of the police, and their strong 
position with both flanks covered, eventually over[came] them, 
and, seeing [no point] of further attempts, they gradually 
broke up and retired to the Beaver, allowing the tracklayers 
to finish their day's work. 

  When the Sergeant returned and reported the circumstances 
of the day, I rose as best I could and sat in a camp chair, 
awaiting the return of Constable Kerr, one of the men who 
had been in camp all day and had gone to the end of the track 
for a bottle of medicine ordered for me. Shortly after I 
  had risen Mr. Johnston came in to see how I was and to ask 
if there were anything that he could do, and a few minutes 
	later Sergeant Fury returned, stating that Constable Kerr on 
his way back saw a desperate character [urging] the strikers 
to make an attack on the barracks, and that he had attempted, 
single-handed, to arrest him, but had been overpowered and 
forced to leave the ground. After hearing what the Sergeant had 
  to say I remarked, "It is a pity that he attempted the arrest without
  sufficient assistance, but as he has done so we must take the 
  man at any cost. It will never do to let him or the remainder of 
  the gang think they can play with us. Take what men you require 
  and arrest him." (Sergeant)Fury went off at once, but after a long 
  interval returned with his jacket torn and other evidences of a struggle about him, saying as he entered, "They took the prisoner from us, sir." 
I replied, "That is too bad. Take your revolvers and shoot 
anyone who interferes with the arrest !"  He started off again, 
and Johnston went to the window and watched the party cross 
the bridge which connected our barracks with the town and 
disappear round some buildings. The men were Sergeant 
Fury, Constables Fane, Craig and Waiters. In a few minutes 
we heard a shot, and Johnston said, "There is one gone 
to hell, Steele."  I went to the window and saw Craig 
and Waiters dragging the accused man across the bridge, 
the desperado fighting like a fiend, while a woman in scarlet 
followed them with wild shrieks and curses. Fury and Fane 
were in the rear, trying to keep off the crowd. I rushed out, 
calling upon Mr. Johnston to get the Riot Act and come with me. 
Seizing the Winchester rifle from the Constable on guard at the 
gaol, I ran to the bridge, and as the crowd was on the point 
of making a rush on to it, I covered them with the rifle and 
called upon them to halt or I would fire. They answered with 
curses and cries of " Look at the --; his own death-bed makes 
no difference to him!" but they halted. In the meantime the 
prisoner was struggling fiercely with the men who had him, but 
half-way across Waiters raised his huge fist and struck him over 
the temple, and with Craig trailed him by the collar, as insen- 
sible as a rag. As the woman passed screaming, " You red- coated ----I" 
  I said "Take her in too!" and went forward over the bridge to the crowd. 
      
By this time Johnston had joined me with the Riot Act, ….  Johnston opened the book, and I said, "Listen to this, and keep your hands off your guns, or I will shoot the first man of you who makes a hostile movement." Johnston then read the Riot Act, and when he had finished I said, " You have taken advantage of the fact that a rebellion has broken out in the north west and that I have only a handful of men, but, as desperate diseases require desperate remedies, and both disease and remedy are here, I warn you that if I find more than twelve of you standing together or any large crowd assembled I will open fire upon you and mow you down!  Now disperse at once and behave yourselves I" By this time a considerable number of engineers, respectable merchants and contractors, all well armed, had assembled at the barracks to back me up. The eight Mounted Police stood at the head of the bridge under (Sergeant) Fury with magazines charged, ready to act when needed.  Johnston and I remained where we were until the rioters had dispersed and then sent the man whom Fury had wounded to the hospital for treatment from the C.P.R. doctors. Mr. Ross was very kind to him. 

Darkness came on soon after that and, as there was danger of an attack on the gaol to rescue the (man who was the) cause of the trouble, I obtained a locomotive from Mr. Ross and sent the prisoner through the woods to the end of track … .   {H}e was taken to my detachment at Palliser, where there were cells to accommodate him. Next morning Beaver and all along the line was as quiet as a country village on. Sunday. and as now was the time I caused all who had been ringleaders in the attempt to prevent the arrest to be brought before Mr. Johnston and myself. They pleaded guilty and were fined 100 dollars each, or 6 months' imprisonment with hard labour. After they were sentenced  I went by locomotive to Palliser and tried the man there; he was sentenced to the same punishment. …[I]t was deemed best to give lighter punishments in hopes that it would be sufficiently deterrent.  We were right; no further trouble occurred. The strike had collapsed, the roughs of the Beaver, having had a lesson, were quiet. I was much pleased and so were all the contractors, Mr. Ross especially. The conduct of the police was all that could be desired ; there were only eight at the Beaver at the time, and they faced the powerful mob of 700 with as much resolution as if backed by hundreds. 
  	On April 7 the labourers were all paid, and I proceeded at once to Calgary, leaving Sergeant Fury in charge to collect the men and horses when everything had been settled.”   
pp. 196-201

Reflections
a) Why were the workers upset in 1885?

b) Why was the company having trouble paying the workers?

c) How did Steele try to avoid a strike?

d) As a police officer, what did Steele need to protect for each side during
    the disagreement?

e) Whom did Steele blame for the strike?

f) What tools and weapons did Steele use to try and keep the peace?

g) What did Steele mean and why did he believe that it was so important to
    go back, arrest and bring in the man who had urged the strikers to
    attack the police officers and their barracks?

"It is a pity that he [Constable Kerr] attempted the arrest without sufficient assistance, but as he has done so we must take the man at any cost.
 It will never do to let him or the remainder of the gang think they can play with us. Take what men you require and arrest him." 

h) Steele’s last legal weapon was the Riot Act. Why and how did he use it?

i) What happened to the “ring leaders” who tried to organize an attack on
   the NWMP barracks to free the prisoner and what happened to the 
   “desperate character”  who had first suggested that the strikers attack the
   police?

j) Why would a police officer, Inspector Sam Steele, sit in judgment on the
cases against the “ring leaders” and the “desperate character”?  Why were there no court houses, judges, Crown prosecutors and defence lawyers in the southern part of the North West Territories in 1885?

k) What is the purpose of punishing someone when they break the law and 
    how did Steele defend these “lighter punishments”?

k) How did the strike end and when was the CPR completed?

l) What is a riot in law?  What happened in Vancouver after the last game
of the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2011?  Have there ever been any riots in your community and what happened? 

m) What rights do workers have in your province to form unions, what is
    required to start a union, and when can they call a strike?

n) What rights do companies have in your province in labour law and when
 can they lock out their workers?

4. 5  Northwest Rebellion of 1885 

Sam Steele was in charge of policing construction on the CPR when trouble started on the prairies in 1884.  The NWMP heard reports of the trouble and of the return of Louis Riel from the U.S.A. at the invitation of some of the Métis.  The First Nations and Métis had been suffering with the rapid disappearance of the large buffalo herds.  Their way of life had been built around the hunting of the buffalo.  The US government’s war on the American Indians and the increasing number of settlers coming to the Canadian West made them very worried about their future.  They found it hard to adjust to a life of ranching and farming on their reserves and river front lands along the North Saskatchewan River.  

Many of the white settlers were also unhappy with the federal government in Ottawa.  They resented the high cost of goods, the high taxes on goods from other countries, and the fact that the CPR tracks ran to the south of their lands and had a monopoly so that no other railway lines could be built to link to the USA.  People like Jackson, Scott, Miller, Isbister and Slater organized a Settlers’ Union around Red Deer Hill and Prince Albert.   They invited Louis Riel to speak in July 1884.  Riel laid out his demands and his plan which he promised would follow legal, political lines.  Many meetings were held in communities throughout the fall, gathering lists of grievances and petitions.  In December a general petition was written and sent to the Cabinet in Ottawa.  

The failure of the Prime Minister and Government to respond to their concerns eventually led Riel and Dumont to declare a Provisional Government on March 18, 1885.  12 NWMP officers were killed at Duck Lake in a skirmish with Dumont and some Métis fighters.  11 people were killed by the Cree War Chief, Wandering Spirit, and his men at Frog Lake.  The federal government responded by raising 8,000 troops and the CPR carried them quickly to the North West.  The Métis settlement of Batoche was eventually captured on May 12 and Louis Riel surrendered on May 15.  Chief Poundmaker surrendered on May 26 and on July 2 Big Bear surrendered. 
Causes and Consequences

4.5.1 The Petition of December 1884 Inspired by 
Louis Riel and William Henry Jackson

“To His Excellency the Governor General of Canada, in Council. 
We, the undersigned, your humble petitioners, would respectfully submit to  Your Excellency-in-Council, the following as our grievances: 	

1. that the Indians are so reduced that the settlers in many localities are compelled to furnish them with food, partly to prevent them from dying at their doors, partly to preserve the peace of the territory;

2. that the Half-breeds of the territory have not received 240 acres of land each, as did the Manitoba Half-breeds; 

3. that the Half-breeds who are in possession of tracts of land have not received patents [title] therefor; 

4. that the old settlers of the N.W.T. [North-West Territories] have not received the same treatment as the old settlers of Manitoba: 

5. that the claims of settlers on odd numbers, prior to survey, and on reserves, prior to the proclamation of such reserves, are not recognized; 

8. that settlers are charged dues on lumber, rails, and firewood required for home use; 

9. that customs duties [taxes] are levied on the necessaries of life; 

14. that no effective measures have yet been taken to put the people of the North-West in direct communication with the European markets, via Hudson's Bay; 

15. that settlers are exposed to coercion at elections, owing to the fact that votes are not taken by [secret] ballot; 

17...(h) that the N.W.T., although having a population of 60,000, are not yet granted responsible government, as was Manitoba when she had less than 12,000 of a population;
 
        (i) that the N.W.T. and its Premier Province [Manitoba] are not
 yet represented in the Cabinet, as are the Eastern Provinces; 

        (j) that the North-West is not allowed the administration of its resources as are the eastern provinces and British Columbia. . . . 

In conclusion, your petitioners would respectfully state that they are treated neither according to their privileges as British subjects nor according to the rights of people and that consequently as long as they are retained in those circumstances, they can be neither prosperous nor happy. 

Your humble petitioners are of opinion that the shortest and most effectual methods of remedying these grievances would be to grant the N.W.T. responsible government with control of its own resources and just representation in the Federal Parliament and Cabinet. 

Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that Your Excellency in Council would be pleased to cause the introduction, at the coming session of Parliament, of a measure providing for the complete organization of the District of Saskatchewan as a province, and that they be allowed as in '70, to send delegates to Ottawa with their Bill of Rights; whereby an understanding may be arrived at as to their entry into con- federation, with the constitution of a free province....” 

(edited from a document in J. M. Bliss (ed.) Canadian History in Documents, 1763-1966, Toronto: Ryerson Press 1966, pp. 165-166.)
4.5.1 Observations on Causes

a) What problems did the Métis and settlers see that the First Nations were
     having?

b) What grievances did the Métis have?

d) What were the reasons that some white settlers also supported the
     Petition to the federal government in Ottawa?

e) What were the political demands of the Métis and settlers in the North
     West Territories?  What is responsible government?

4.5.2 Sam Steele on the North West Rebellion of 1885
from Sam Steele, Forty Years in Canada

“During the spring of 1884, I got proof that there was trouble before us in the North West Territory.  It came about in this way.  My…sergeant, who understood Cree and spoke Blackfeet, was on leave on a week-end at High River and on his return reported that he had seen a French-breed {Metis] there talking with some Blackfeet Indians, …saying that he had come from…Montana with Louis Riel, and that the Indians had a right to kill the settlers’ cattle if they chose, and that the country belonged to the Indians, and that the whites should be turned out.  …I caused information to be laid against the half-breed charging him with vagrancy, and when he appeared in court he admitted that he had come over with Riel and that he had suggested that the Blackfeet had a right to kill cattle.  The magistrates sentenced him to one month’s imprisonment and cautioned him that any further misconduct would be most severely dealt with.”  pp. 179-180
“Early in June (1884) I was at Maple Creek for a few days and saw Big Bear’s band going north.  They were going to their reserve at Frog Lake and were a bad bunch, “bad medicine” as it were, and should never have been left without at least 100 well-armed and mounted men near them.  It would have been useless, however, to ask for this; it required an Uprising to open the eyes of the public to such a necessity.  The force from the beginning had been kept short-handed for the work to be done; 500 more men would have saved millions (of dollars).”   pp. 172-173
“On December 23 (1884) Supt. Gagnon who had been placed in command of the force at Carlton on account of his knowledge of the French language and long experience, reported that the half-breeds of St. Laurent and Batoche had held a public meeting to adopt a petition, which had been duly forwarded to Ottawa, and that Riel was pressed to remain amongst them, and had been presented with a house and would be given a purse next month.  It also appeared that the chief grievance amongst the half-breeds was that the government would not sanction the way in which they (Metis) wished to take their homesteads, viz., ten chains front on the Saskatchewan River and a depth of two miles, a system to which they had been accustomed in the Red River settlement.  They had in many cases laid out their lots in that way, so as to have a frontage on the river for everyone.  No doubt that grievance should have been settled forthwith.” 
pp.201-2

“On the outbreak of the rebellion and the removal of the NWMP… Major General Strange … organized a troop of scout cavalry and a home guard for the town. … Major General Strange’s ranch adjoined the Blackfeet reservation, and …[on] his orders from General Middleton, proceeded to take command of the District of Alberta….I arrived at Calgary … on April11 [1885]  and found the inhabitants in a very excited state.  Many ladies were at the train with their families, on their way east.  I was placed on duty at once, General Strange telegraphing,,, for permission to take me with him in command of his mounted troops. … My appointment to command of the cavalry and scouts of the Alberta Field Force was confirmed … [As] Major in the Canadian militia. … I  was directed to raise a mounted corps, which the General did me the honour to name Steele’s Scouts.  
pp. 211-212

[At the end of the rebellion at the end of June 1885]  Major General Strange … in his dispatches [said;] “Major Steele and his cavalry were the eyes, ears and feelers of the force, and their spirited pursuit of Big Bear crowned with success the long and weary march which they had protected and, to a certain extent, guided. “ p. 231

“We arrived in Calgary on the evening of the 18th [of July 1885].  The Mayor and Council and a large [number] of citizens met us and presented us with an address of welcome.  The reception was enthusiastic, and everyone did his best to make our stay agreeable.  On the 19th I received a telegram from Mr. White congratulating me on being promoted… .  As soon as my men were paid off, the citizens of Calgary gave us a banquet and presented me with a valuable diamond ring.”  p. 232.

“The rebellion had left a great many persons, particularly the loyal half-breeds [Metis],  in poor circumstances, and I received orders to select the sufferers from the rebellion, regardless of the part taken in the “unpleasantness,” and give them [work] to keep the wolf form the door.  … I obtained authority to employ [them] at hauling lumber from Prince Albert… [T]he men were very glad to get the work, as it not only provided them and their families with enough to maintain them for the winter, but left a comfortable margin for food and seed grain for the following summer.”  p. 240

[Some consequences of the rebellion were:] 
-“the [NWMP] force doubled in strength [to 1000 men]
-“the Canadian Pacific Railway  [was] completed”
- “the rebellion taught the people that there must be no penny-wise policy after this.  [There] was a well trained and highly disciplined corps to carry out the duties assigned to it [that] was able to do much for the benefit of the settlers and others who required advice or protection.”  - [During the rebellion] “the NWMP … held important posts, kept the Blackfeet in check, and prevent sympathizers in the United States from crossing the international boundary….” 
pp. 241 – 242

4.5.2  Reflections on Causes and Consequences

Using the historical evidence provided above, work with a partner or on your own to answer these questions.

a) Why would some Métis and First Nations argue that the North West
    country was theirs and that the “whites should be turned out”?

b) Why would some Métis and First Nations feel the need to hunt cattle and
    say that they had the right to kill cattle?

c) According to Sam Steele what was the main grievance that the Métis
     had?

d) How did Steele think that the North West Rebellion could have been
     avoided?

e) According to Sam Steele what were the consequences of the North
     West Rebellion for the Métis, the CPR, the settlers in the NWT, and the   
     Government in Ottawa?

Groups	Consequences	

First Nations

Metis

C.P.R.

Settlers

Government
Of Canada

f)  Louis Riel had come back to Canada at the request of the Métis and with
the support of some white settlers.  He had intended to follow a peaceful political protest with meetings, speeches and petitions.  Based on his experience in the Red River Rebellion of 1869 -1870, Riel intended to negotiate new terms for the Métis, white settlers and First Nations in the North West Territory.  

What were the unintended consequences of his decision to declare a Provisional Government?

g) Check your textbooks and other sources to find out what the direct 
     consequences of the Rebellion were for Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont, 
     William Henry Jackson, Chief Poundmaker, Chief Big Bear, Chief 
     Wandering Spirit.
	http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/northwest-rebellion

People	Direct Consequences	

Louis Riel		

Gabriel Dumont		

William Henry
Jackson		

Chief
Poundmaker		

Chief 
Big Bear		

Chief
Wandering Spirit		

4.6 Policing and Much More – The Role of the NWMP in the North West

In the frontier setting of the West, the NWMP were the agents of the government and they did many jobs and played many roles. 

4. 6. 1   Many Other Duties
1888 Report of Commissioner Lawrence Herchmer, NWMP , p.255-6

“The general public are unaware of our (many) duties and, when we make mistakes as police proper, they make no allowance… I may be allowed to name a few of the different things we do for ourselves outside of ordinary duties and patrols.  We are trained soldiers, both mounted and dismounted, and every division understands its drill; we do our own carpenter work, painting, alterations of clothing, blacksmithing, most of our freighting and teaming, plow when required extinguish prairie fires, act as customs and quarantine officers, do most of our wagon repairing, mend all and make a great deal of our saddlery and harness, act as gaolers and keepers of the insane for weeks at a stretch, and there is not a division that cannot go into any country and erect complete barracks either of logs or frames. …In physique we are second to no force in existence; our men are well set up, young, active, good-looking, stout and tall, and we have very few men who cannot ride day in and day out for 50 miles.  Only first-class men can stand five years in the force.”  

4.6 a) What were the different jobs that early NWMP Officers did?

Document	Job or Role 	Responsibility	
1. 			

			

			

			

			

2. 			
			
3. 
			
4.

5. 
			
6. 
			
7.
			
8. 

4.6 b) What were the different jobs that early NWMP Officers did?

Document	Job or Role 	Responsibility	
1. 	Police officer 	uphold the criminal laws of Canada	
	Carpenters		
	Painters		
	Tailors		
	Blacksmiths		
	Freighting and shippers		
	Groomers		
	Fire fighters		
	Customs agents		
	Quarantine and public health officers		
	Wagonners		
	Saddlers		
	Jail (goal) guards		
	Keepers of the insane		
	Construction planners and workers		
2. 	Community party organizers		
	Chefs, bakers, butchers		
3. 	“engine for the government”
(on horse back)		
4.	Architect		
	Magistrate or Justice of the Peace		
5. 		Voice of common sense persuading people not to join pr lynch mobs	
6. 	Prohibition enforcers		
7.	Mediator between groups		
	Cultural interpreter		
	Educator		
8.	Justice of the Peace (again)		

4.6 c) How important were the different jobs that the NWMP Officers did?
Rank in
Importance	Usual or Typical Police Jobs & Roles	Unusual Police Jobs 
or Roles	Rank in
Importance	

				

				

				

				

				

4.6 c) What criteria did you use to decide on the importance of the jobs?

4.6 d) Justify your decision on the top 3 jobs in each category.

4. 6. 2 The Police Ball in Edmonton, December 1874
“On the approach of Christmas Inspector Jarvis gave me permission to get up a ball in the fort, as it was thought to be a good thing to introduce ourselves to the people in the settlement and to return some of the hospitality which .. we had received. A meeting was held and all voted a month's pay towards the dance. Chief Factor Hardisty gave us the use of a large store-house, in which there was an enormous fire-place, and loaned all the crockery and other table necessaries required for the feast. Large quantities of fresh buffalo tongues, humps (or"boss ribs," as they were called), buffalo hind quarters, venison, prairie chickens and wild geese were purchased, and the chef, Sam Taber, with his assistants, was set to work to make plum-puddings and mince-pies, for which there was an ample supply of material in the (Hudson Bay) Company's store. 
Invitations were sent to every settlement and every hunters' or traders' camp for 100 miles around, and on the appointed day, Christmas Eve, the guests began to arrive and were put up in the fort and in the neighbouring houses. First, they were entertained to supper and a dance, which lasted until nearly morning. The next day after breakfast the company went to church; then came the dinner, presided over by Inspector Jarvis and Sub-Inspector Gagnon. The Queen's health was drunk in good tea, the beverage of the north west in those days, and after the repast dancing was resumed with vigour to the lively music of several violins. 
The Red River Jig, Lord Macdonald's Reel, the Eight Hand Reel and other dances were all performed to very fast music. The men sat on one side of the room and the women and girls the other, and, when the fiddlers had finished the preliminary tuning up and scraping, one of the men advanced to the centre the room, gazed at the partner of his choice, closed his right hand and pointed at her with his thumb, whereupon, no matter whatt her wishes in the matter might be, she placed herself beside him and he took her hand. The jig struck up forthwith, and the couple took a few steps forward and back, dropped hands and, facing one another, stepped to the music, usually with great skill, now and then relieved or cut out by others. If the man were conceited or a foolish person the men let him dance until his limbs almost refused to move and the perspiration rolled off his face in streams, while if he were a favourite he was allowed sufficient to satisfy him.  When the dance was over breakfast was served, and all went home, after expressing their delight at the entertainment which had been offered them.”  
pp. 84-86

4. 6. 3  Members of the North West Mounted Police 
“The members of the force were a mixed lot.  Many were smart, young fellows from the old country (Briton and eastern Canada, well-educated, but unaccustomed to manual labour, lured the wild west by the halo of romance which surrounded the lives of the pioneers.  These men proved themselves equal to the very best, and helped to build up the reputation which the force now possesses.  There were also sons of Ontario farmers and the like, who, by their resourcefulness under all circumstances were an excellent leaven to the whole lump.  They seldom remained in the force for more than one term of service.  (usually 5 years)
They had come from the east to make homes for themselves and, as soon as their time expired, took their discharges and settled down in farming or business… generally in the vicinity of one of the police posts.  Such were the rank and file of the Mounted Police.  Each had his own virtues and was different from the others, but in a short time all had absorbed the best characteristics of the others, the few faults soon disappeared, and the corps, although ridiculously weak in number for the work it had to do became a powerful engine for the government of the west.”		
p.96-97

(For a list of the names of the men and horses in Steele’s ‘E’ Division in Calgary in 1884,  pp. 10-12, check the Sir Sam Steele Collection website at: http://steele.library.ualberta.ca/units/2008/1/2/1/3/9
It is transcribed in an excel file at EC 2008.1.2.1.3.9	 
and in a locked Word file at (EC Theme 2 # 3) 2008.1.2.1.3.9
List of Sam Steele’s Police Officers and some of their Horses, 1884
                                         [pg 10]
 Mouth of Kicking Horse Mountains	
Reg n	Rank	Name	Remarks	
 	Insp	Steele	SB.	 	
543	Corp	McDonell	AC.	 	
590	Const	Bell	R.A.G.	 	
975	"	[Bunt?]	J.P.	 	
664	"	Fane	F.	 	
704	"	Kerr	P.	 	
999	"	Knight.	I.	 	
549	"	McMinn	WR.	 	
716	"	McRae	D.	 	
758	"	Richardson	FH	 	
760	"	Ross	W.	 	
 	 	First Crossing        Segt 	Ward	
36	Sergt	Ward	JH	 	
653	Const	[Dyre?]	AR.	 	
684	"	Hall	G.	 	
894	"	Hetherington	I.	 	
795	"	Walters	J.	 	

Detachments				
 	 	[Lazzard?]	Sergt. Fury	
Reg n	Rank	Name	Remarks	
333	Sergt	Fury	W.	 	
634	Const	Batch		 	
643	"	Fray	T	 	
648	"	Davidson	A	 	
699	"	[James?]	GP	 	
708	"	Lanaway		 	
 	 	The Island	 	Const Davidson	
523	Const	Davidson	AL.	 	
759	"	Robinson	J.B.	 	
 	 	End of Track	 	Const Martin	
719	Const	Martin	Q	 	
790	"	[Waring?]	T.	 	
784	 	Whipps	J.	 	
                                                             [/pg 11]

[pg 12]
 	Roll of Horses	
 	 Mouth of Kicking Horse	
Reg N	Name	Remarks	
108	Ether	Team	
121	Escape	Saddle	
148	Echo	Saddle	
154	Suzie	Team	
181	Energy	Saddle	
183	Exmoor	Saddle	
192	Esquire	Saddle	
 	First Crossing	
119	Eva	Saddle	
117	Eczema	do	
120	Epsom	do	
 	[Lazzard?]	
 	 		
 	The Island	
111	Egypt	Saddle	
 	End of Track	
131	Brandy	Saddle	
182	Emblem	do	
193	Enniskillen	do	
195	Eccentric	do	

4. 6. 4  Broad Powers Given to NWMP Officers
“On September 13th, I was sent to Regina to lay out the ground for the buildings which were to be our home for a long time to come.  I was to perform all of the magistrate’s work and remain in charge of the detachments along the railway as far as Swift Current. For police protection I placed a strong detachment in the town and, making the men as comfortable as possible went on with the work of laying out the site and carrying on the rest.  There were many loose characters in Regina and the new towns east and west, who had settled down for the winter to make those places lively, and they soon got a taste of our methods of handling such people.  Neither the men nor I had a spare moment to ourselves, the former were on the move, coming and going, all the time, and I was on the bench trying cases until far into the night, my court-room being a 16 by 14 marquee (tent), which was also mess-room and sleeping apartment.”  P.167

4. 6. 5  Upholding the Law 1884
		
“The murder caused a great deal of excitement , and when it was reported a large mob of citizeins, headed by a very decent but excited individual, came to find out what I was going to do about it, and there were threats of lynching the perpetrator if captured.  But I said to him, “You lads are all tenderfeet, and have visions before you of taking part in a Neck-tie Social. There never has been a lynching in Canada, nor will there be as long as our force has the police duties to perform.  So go away like sensible men, and remember that any attempt at lynching will be bad for those who try it!”  
p. 179

4.6. 6  Enforcing Liquor Laws 
“The same old law for the suppression of intoxicating liquor was in force, and proved excellent for the purpose of preserving peace on the railway construction and keeping the Indians from deterioration, but it should not have been forced upon the rest of the community against the will of the majority.  It was intended for the prevention of the Indian trade, and our powers under it were so great that we could enter or search any place at any hour of the day or night.  The officers and men hated this detestable duty, which gave them much trouble and…unpopularity.  We soon learned that compulsion will not make people sober; it must be brought about by the example of the best people.  The prohibitory law made more drunkards than if there had been an open bar and free drinks at every street corner.  Liquor was brought into the territories by every conceivable trick.  Egg shells were emptied of their contents and alcohol substituted; tin imitations of the Holy Bible were filled with (alcohol) and sold on the trains; metal legs filled alcohol came concealed in the centre of barrels of kerosene, and mints-meats soaked in brandy and peaches prepared in the same manner were common.” 
p.176-7
“We had the detestable prohibitory liquor law to enforce, (in Lethbridge), an insult to free people.  Our powers under it were so great, in fact so outrageous, that no self-respecting member of the corps, unless directly ordered cared to (use) them to the full extent.  We were expected, on the slightest grounds of suspicion, to enter any (dwelling) without a warrant, at any hour of the day or night and search for (alcohol); no privacy need be respected.  Yet, owing to the pressure of a lot of fanatics who neither knew or cared to understand the situation, Parliament would not repeal the law and let the white people speak for themselves.  This state of affairs continued for some years, despite the fact that the judges (squashed) nearly every conviction which was brought before them on appeal.” 
p. 243 

4.6. 7  Policing in the Kooteny District, 1887   

	(See also T5 petition from Kootenay residents , T4 letter from Commissioner Herchmer sending Steele to Kooteny , and T6 letter from Lethbridge residents regretting Steele’s move to Kootenay)

“On May 20 I received orders to hold myself in readiness to proceed to Kootenay district [B.C.], taking with e Inspectors Wood and Huot and 75 [ men ] of my division. … 
	
The duty … was to restore order amongst the Indians of the Kooteny district, then almost in accessible.   [Th]ere [ was ] no way in during the winter, except on snowshoes, and during the summer only by pack trail.  The settlers in the district were very few in number and uneasy on account of Chief Isadore, of the Kootenay tribe having …
broken open the goal … and released Kapula, one of  [ his ] men, who had been arrested, charged with the murder, in 1884, of two white placer miners … . 

	As soon as I had got settled in camp [in early August] I sent for [Chief] Isadore, and directed him to bring in Kapula and … [ the ] accomplice.  Five days later they were brought before me at Wild Horse Creek lock-up, where they remained for eight days to give the witnesses for the prosecution time to appear. There was not, however, sufficient evidence to send them to trial, and they were accordingly dismissed, and I sent them home with food for the journey. [ Chief ] Isadore was present during the whole of the proceedings and followed the evidence with keen interest. I was pleased with the bearing of the Indians, both accused and witnesses. They showed great intelligence, and it was clear that they knew nothing of the murder, which was probably committed by some loose character frequenting the trails. 

After the investigation Isadore came to see me. He had been informed by the white men and Chinese that we had come to Kootenay with hostile intentions towards the Indians.  I told him … that we were in the district to maintain the laws of the Great Mother, and that both whites and Indians would receive just treatment and would be equally … punished if they deserved it. The effect of this interview was a marked improvement in the [ attitude ] of the Indians. With few exceptions, however, the whites remained in fear of them for some months. 
pp. 245, 249 – 252

4.6.8  Issuing a Warrant for 3 Horse Thieves

(EC NWMP 11) 2008.1.2.1.1.76
Canada
North West Territories
District of Alberta

	To all or any of the Constables or other Peace officers in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Whereas Charles Farrell, William Farrell and Thomas Stanstead, alias Tom Whist did on or about the eleventh (11th) day of January in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty nine (AD 1889) did feloniously steal into and carry away from Heneys Ranche [at or near] Macleod in the Territories aforesaid a band of horses numbering about fifty one (51) head, there under seizure by the customs Department of Canada. These are therefore to command you in Her Majestys name, forthwith to apprehend the said Charles Farrell, William Farrell and Thomas Stanstead alias Tom Whist, and bring them before me or another of Her Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the said Territories of Canada to answer unto the law charge, and be further dealt with according to law.
Given under my hand and seal this 27th day of January A.D. 1889 at Macleod in the District and Territories aforesaid.
						S.B. Steele J.P.

Reflection on Continuity and Change in Police Jobs

Research the websites of the RCMP and local police force to see what the current jobs or roles of a police officer are and compare their jobs to the situation in the 1870s – 1890s.
You may also prepare some questions to interview a local member of the RCMP and compare their job to the situation in the 1870s – 1890s.
Compare the list of tasks done by a NWMP Officer from chart 4.6 b) with the list that you have made in your web research and/or interviews with officers today.

4.6 e) 
How does the Work of the NWMP Compare with the 
Work of Police Officers today?

 Similarities in the Work of  NWMP Officers and RCMP Officers Today	Differences in the Work of  NWMP Officers and RCMP Officers Today	

	

	

	

	

	

Reflection
What is the biggest change in police work today?

4.6 f)
What is the Historical Significance of the North West Mounted Police in the Development of Western Canada?
Yes, the NWMP were really important in the North West. We have a lot of information about the creation of the NWMP, who joined it and the many things that the member of the force did.  But historians and students of history have a special way to think about how important organizations, people, events, or developments really were.  They call this approach the tests for historical significance.
These tests are set out in 3 questions:
1. Did this organization, person or event produce consequences that were 
deep,
widespread, and 
lasting?	

2. How prominent was the organization, person or event at the time and 
     did the effects of their actions and inactions last ?

3. How revealing were the actions of the members of  the NWMP about
     the time when they lived and the events that happened? 
    Is the organization,  person or event 
    remembered (celebrated, criticized, regretted)?

So how does the NWMP between 1864 and 1890 measure up in the 
history students' tests for historical significance?
 
What is your judgment based on what you have read, researched and learned to this point?  Remember that historians keep an open mind and are always ready to look at new evidence and listen to new arguments.  

4.6 f) Testing the Historical Significance of the role of the NWMP in Western Canada 
           between 1874 & 1890

Your Choice of the Top 3  Actions taken by the NWMP	Were the Consequences deep, for many people, 
for a long time?	Was the Action recognized as Prominent: Then and Now?	Was it Revealing and is it still Remembered?	

				

				

				
Your sources:
Your Conclusions: