1. Summarize the main reasons why the Metis established a farming community in the Red River Valley.
A. It contained some of the best farming land on the Prairies – Metis established farms along the banks of both rivers. “Hay privilege” lay in behind river lots; this was a place where Metis could grow hay.
2. Identify and examine several reasons that explain why the bison hunt was so important to the Metis.
A. Bison provided meat and hides – meat was dried to make pemmican, hides were tanned and made into buffalo robes – both of these were sold to the NWC. Pemmican was high in calories and protein and could be stored for years at a time. Bison provided an income for the Metis people.
Pp. 143-149; q’s #1-2, 4-5:
1. Describe how European settlement had an impact on the Metis. Identify two or three main ideas with supporting details that explain and support your response.
A. Duncan Cameron, an employee of the NWC, appoints Cuthbert Grant as Captain of the Metis and gives him the task of driving the British colonists away. Through burning buildings, destroying crops, and firing rifles at night, the Metis are successful in driving the British out of the Red River Valley. In doing so, the Metis began to recognize their rights and fight for their land. Within the year, the Metis were in conflict with the British again. Robert Semple, the new governor of the colony, confronted Grant and the Metis people. Seeing this ahead of time, the Metis divided into two groups and surrounded Semple and his men. The end result was a victory for the Metis – something that is considered to be a defining moment in Metis history.
2. Lord Selkirk has been called an “unrealistic idealist.” Find evidence to support or refute this claim and discuss your views with a partner.
A. Selkirk thought he could help the poor tenant farmers in Britain by bringing them to the Red River Valley. This would also benefit the HBC as it was very expensive for them