In the late 1860s, Canadian settlers streamed into the prairies in anticipation of Canada's purchase of the territory. (Courtesy of the National Archives of Canada)

At the time, the declining fur-trading giant Hudson's Bay Company controlled the prairie region. The territory was sparsely populated by Indian nations, European farmers, fur-traders and a people called the Métis - the offspring of white traders and natives. Riel was one of 6,000 French-speaking, Catholic Métis.

On March 20, 1869, Canada bought a vast area of land from the Hudson's Bay Company. The territory known as Rupert's Land included parts of what are now northern Quebec, northern Ontario and Nunavut, and most of the prairies. The sale involved roughly a quarter of the continent but it failed to take into account the existing residents.

In anticipation of the transfer, settlers streamed in from Canada's most populated province, Ontario, eager to claim land on the plains. The Métis were concerned about their language and religious rights because the newcomers were mostly English-speaking Protestants. In addition, they were justifiably afraid of losing their lands, for most of the Métis were squatters or settlers without title.

"Theyhave come here to chase us from our homeland," said Riel of the new settlers. "They assume that after fifty years of civilization our society has borne no fruit. Instead of respecting the laws established in the colony. They have publicly repudiated them."

	In 1869, the Canadian government ignited the anger of the Mtis when it sent a survey team to the prairies before Canada's purchase of the territory was final. (As portrayed in Canada: A People's History)

The first incident in what would become known as the Red River Resistance started innocently enough after the land purchase. Canadian Prime Minister John A. Macdonald sent surveyors to Red River. At the time, the land transfer was not complete but the Canadian government wanted to begin outlining a township grid.

On October 11 1869, a survey party led by Captain Adam Webb began to survey the property of André Nault, a Métis farmer. Nault protested the intrusion and called his cousin Louis Riel. Backed by more than a dozen Métis, Riel stood on the surveying chain demanding that Webb and his men stop. The surveyors withdrew.

Riel quickly gained status among the Métis as the man who had stared down the Canadian government. Supporters - largely French-speaking Métis - gathered around him ready to follow his lead. Riel felt a dramatic gesture was needed to get Ottawa's attention - to force Canada to negotiate with the inhabitants of Red River before taking over the territory.

	Rupert's Land

On November 2, Riel set out with a group of 120armed men for Fort Garry, the administrative centre of the region. With no troops to support him, William MacTavish - governor of Rupert's Land - watched helplessly at the fort was taken by Riel.

Next, Riel compiled a List of Rights composed of 14 points. Essentially, the Métis would accept annexation to Canada as long as they were not stripped of their property, denied Catholic religious rights or French language rights.

The official transfer of the land to Canada had been set for December 1, 1869. But Macdonald postponed payment to the Hudson's Bay Company because of the disturbances in Red River.

On December 10th, Riel formed a provisional government, proclaiming the end of Hudson's Bay Company control over the Red River region. The government included both French and English inhabitants of the settlement.

By the end of 1869, Riel seemed to have the advantage in Red River and was in a strong position to deal with Ottawa on his own terms.