Canada deals harshly with the rebel forces

Guide to Indian Country Page 23

The casualties as a result of the rebellion numbered 53 white men

killed and 118 wounded; 35 Metis and Indians killed. There was swift

justice for the government in dealing with the people of the North-West

Rebellion.

There were 127 Aboriginal people and two white jailed. Of those

jailed, 46 were Metis and 81 were Indian.

Of the Metis jailed, 19 were convicted of treason-felony. One

man(Louis Riel) was hanged, seven were conditionally discharged and the

others were either not brought to trial or were unconditionally

discharged.

Of the Indians jailed, 44 were convicted and eight hanged.

The two whites were charged with treason-felony and both were

acquitted.

Big Bear, Poundmaker and a leader named One Arrow were each sentenced

to three years to for their part in the fighting. All were released

before their terms were up. All died within a year of their release.

Poundmaker was said to be quite elderly at the time of the fighting.

His trial was a sham by today's standards, held completely in English

and without adequate translation services for the Cree-speaking chief.

"The bad things they have said against me here are not true,"

Poundmaker said at his trial. "I have worked only at trying to keep the

peace. This spring, when my Indians, the half-breeds and the white men

fought, I prevented further killing. As soon as I heard what had

happened at Batoche I led my people and went to the white man and gave

myself up. If I had not done so, there would have been plenty of

bloodshed. For this reason I am here...I will not excuse myself for

saving the lives of so many people even if I must suffer for it now."

Poundmaker served seven months. He could barely walk when he was

released.

Imasees fled to the United States and returned to Canada in 1896. He

faced no charges.

Gabriel Dumont fled to the United States. He too was able to return to

Canada and live out his life. He died in 1906.

The final word is left to Riel, who, shortly before his hanging in

Regina on Nov. 16, 1885, wrote: "I have devoted my life to my country.

If it is necessary for the happiness of my country that I should now

soon cease to live, I leave it to the Providence of my God."