Batoche

Chapter from book of the same.name The regiment's involvement in conflicts of the 1800s, such as the Fenian raids, the Red River Resistance and the Northwest Resistance, is documented. Includes sketches of Mahvadehrie (Yellow Bird) and Litkhansahra (Blackbird), sons of the Sioux chief Whitecap; and Toukwakahn (Enemy of the Great Spirit), brother-in-law of Whitecap.

Historical note:

The York Pioneer and Historical Society was founded by Richard H. Oates in 1869 in Toronto, ON. The society maintains two museums and a library of historical books and documents.

Greetings from the Mayor of Selkirk, MB, James Colceugh, applauding the forces members for their bravery for their country during the Northwest Resistance. Item found within folder 1 of file Rebellion, 1885.

Sketch of Metis fighters on land firing upon a government relief boat in background; possibly based on the attack on the steamer Northcote during the battle of Batoche during the Northwest Resistance.

Image of a refugee camp during the Northwest Resistance. Women and children of Batoche were permitted to leave the village to escape enemy fire. Visible are supplies piled up on the ground in front of a cluster of tents.

The cover story of the CBC Radio Guide for May 1985 deals with the legacy of Louis Riel, written by Bob Beal and Rod MacLeod. The story contains a brief analysis of the Northwest Resistance and the political effects on French and English Canada. Pps. 5-7.

This report provides statistics on battle casualties suffered by the Canadian Militia and North West Field Force during the Northwest Rebellion.

Includes Saskatoon City Council minutes from a meeting on Tuesday, February 19, 1980 regarding a request from Parks Canada that a representative of the City attend an open house on the direction of future developments at Batoche National Historic Site.

Gerald Willoughby's book describes his arrival from England to Saskatoon in 1883, and he was among Saskatoon's first citizens. His peaceful dealings with Louis Riel and various chiefs are detailed, particularly those with Chief Whitecap. Willoughby offers an assessment of the lives of aboriginals living near Saskatoon and notes numerous similarities between "the Red Men and the White Men."

Historical note:

Gerald Willoughby (1866-1933) was one of the first citizens of Saskatoon, NWT.

Describes the events surrounding the disappearance of the church bell from Batoche, Saskatchewan in 1885.

Image of an elderly Rev. Father J. Moulin in robes with a cross around his neck; outdoor scene.

Book review of: The Free People - Otipemisiwak: Batoche, Saskatchewan 1870-1930 by Diane Paulette Payment.

Three copies of bulletin; article subjects include then-recent discoveries of Riel manuscripts, and the proposed continuing development of Batoche National Historic Park.

Historical note:

The purpose of the "Riel Project" was to publish a critical edition of all the writings of Louis Riel. The edition was to present a printed version faithful to what Riel himself wrote, being "critical" in the sense that errors will be noted, variants recorded, and annotations furnished. In English / French.

File contains papers relating to the causes of the uprising of 1885 in the Saskatchewan District.

A series of 1885 newspapers with articles covering the Saskatchewan Uprising. Includes The Penny Illustrated Paper and Illustrated Times of May 16, 1885, the Montreal Daily Herald and the Daily Commercial Gazette of July 8, 1885. Papers cover the battles of Batoche and Cut Knife Hill.

Riel Resistance Scroll found in Battleford in 1961. Names were intended to be placed on a memorial column in Battleford for soldiers killed in 1885.

Government of Saskatchewan promotional pamphlet presenting passages from Louis Riel's 1885 Diary in French and English. Released in commemoration of the 1985 Centennial of the Northwest Resistance.

The file contains a presentation by BillyJo De La Ronde, Labour Canada. De La Ronde discusses his ideas on Metis history, politics, economic development, education, self-governance, and self-determination (between the last two concepts he draws a clear distinction). Following the presentaiton Commissioner Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with De La Ronde.

This file contains a presentation by Camille Bolte and Daniele Pion relating to their group's interpretation of the relationship between the Crown and Aboriginal people as being "a political compromise". The group favours a 'delegation' approach that would define self-government in the sense of the powers of a municipality. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Nelson Sanderson regarding the need to connect Metis youth and the general public with the history and culture of the Metis people. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding these issues.

Image of Royal Regiment outside church at Batoche.

The Royal Regiment of Canada parading in front of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Antoine de Padou at Batoche, SK, June 1962.

The Royal Regiment of Canada at Batoche, SK in 1962. Soldiers in parade formation.

The Royal Regiment of Canada at Batoche, SK in June 1962. In the background the Roman Catholic Church of St. Antoine de Padou can be seen.

Program from the Batoche National Historic Site, using maps and photographs to enhance the visitor's understanding of the Battle of Batoche during the Northwest Resistance.

Historical note:

A guide to Saskatchewan sites of historical interest related to the Northwest Resistance of 1885. It was released by the Northwest Advisory Committee and approved by the Government of Saskatchewan in the hope that it would "heighten public interest in the history of the events...and foster an expanding tourist industry." Includes many historical details of Resistance events in addition to as maps and pictures.

Photocopied partial pages of the Saskatchewan Herald, dated 15 June 1885, 25 September 1885, 19 October 1885, and 21 October 1885, with stories relating to the Northwest Resistance.

Caption: "This is how an artist pictured Saskatoon (the Nutana side) when the Riel Rebellion was in progress. Wounded from the battles of Fish Creek and Batoche, 85 in number, were brought to Saskatoon for treatment by professionals and volunteers. Three houses in the vicinity of the present Nutana Collegiate Institute were used as hospitals."

Sketch of the steamer "Northcote" being fired upon during the Northwest Resistance.

Three postcards from Batoche National Historic Site from around 1975. They are (1) Steps to Gunner Philip's Grave, (2) Old Rectory and Church (Saint Antonoine de Padove) and (3) The trenches that were Middleton's militia defences during the Battle of Batoche in 1885.

Folder containing photographs of Robert Armstrong and William Diehl, with a sketch of Tom Houri [Hourie]. all items glued to folder.

This file includes Louis Riel's handwritten acknowledgement of the invitation to attend a public meeting in Prince Albert in order to promote unity amongst the settlers in their fight for their rights, and correspondence relating to the acquisition of the letter.

On back of photo: Tombstones at Batoche, Saskatchewan mark the final resting place of many of Louis Riel's companions. Riel's grave is in Winnipeg, where he was born. The Batoche church is in the background and the rectory, to the left of the church, is now a museum.

Describes the author’s experience visiting locations associated with the Northwest Resistance such as Fort Carlton, Clark's Crossing, Fish Creek, Batoche and Duck Lake, and speaking to local people about the different sites and events. Entire issue on one pdf file, scroll to page 30.

Township Plan of Township 43, Range 1, West of the Third Meridian showing St. Laurent Settlement and the Batoche Ferry Crossing. Also shows location of plots relative to the One Arrow Indian Reserve.

Various papers and articles pertaining to Louis Riel. Includes correspondence regarding Diefenbaker's view of Riel, the alleged bribe Riel requested to depart from Canada, a request for information to fight the naming of Place Riel at the University of Saskatchewan, casualty lists from the Northwest Resistance and letters regarding the commemoration of Riel's legacy.

Image of boy standing in trenches in field. Church and buildings visible in background. Batoche historical site.

Image of the old rectory at left and church at right at Batoche National Historic Site in Saskatchewan; summer scene.

This file contains two posters with poems about Batoche. Both poems romanticize the Metis and their customs and their battles with government forces.

Biographical account of William Henry Jackson's {also known as Honoré Joseph Jaxon) involvement in the 1885 Rebellion as Louis Riel's secretary. Smith examines Jackson's political and religious beliefs, his trial and charge of treason felony and the question of his sanity.

A portrait of William Henry Jackson (Honore Jaxon); leader of the Prince Albert Settler's Union, Louis Riel's Secretary, and U.S. Labour Activist.

Journals of Charles Salyer Clapp who joined the 15th Battalion, Argyll Light Infantry and was dispatched under General Middleton to suppress the Métis uprising at Batoche in 1885. Entire issue on one .pdf, scroll to p.1.

Image of a zareba at Batoche, showing soldiers sleeping behind walls of fortification. Visible are several Snider-Enfield rifles used by the soldiers.

Historical note:

A zareba is an encampment used as a base of attack and defense.

Image of the zareba at Batoche; men shown on horseback with supply packs on the ground.

Historical note:

A zareba is a stockade made of bushes: an outdoor enclosure, especially one made of thorn bushes and used as protection around a campsite or village.