Manitoba Act, 1870
Hoping to decrease tension, the act marked the legal resolution of the fight for self-determination between the federal government and the people (particularly the Métis) of the Red River Colony, which began in 1870 with Canada's purchase of Rupert's Land.
[5] This area was originally a part of Rupert's Land, which was where the fur traders did the majority of their hunting and trapping.
in the eyes of the British Crown and the Canadian government, the land was seen to be owned by the HBC, even though Indigenous and Métis people lived there.
[8] As the Red River Colony was a bilingual area, Riel's ability to speak both French and English was also huge advantage.
McDougall did not give up his efforts at that point, instead staying in Pembina for approximately a month's time attempting to control the area.
[6] The Métis actions separated the Canadian party due to their barriers, while some were captured and held in jail at Fort Garry.
Before land rights were settled, Sir John A. Macdonald sent a military expedition to Manitoba, led by Colonel Garnet Wolseley.
The government portrayed this expedition as non-punitive; however, the militiamen wanted to avenge the death of Thomas Scott.
The ensuing chaos and retribution against the Métis population was labelled "The Reign of Terror" by newspapers in eastern Canada and the United States.
Roughly 1.4 million acres (5,700 km2) of land (Assiniboia district) were set aside specifically for the betterment of the Métis nation.
The province received four seats in the federal Parliament, which was a strong representation considering the small population.
[15] Due to this part-European heritage, often being labelled "half-blood" or "half-breeds", the Métis have struggled with recognition as a distinct Aboriginal people.
The act also set aside land for the Métis, with each family receiving a scrip (a certificate) saying they owned 96 hectares (960,000 m2), amounting to a total of about 5 600 km2.
Section 31 reads, in part:[17] And whereas, it is expedient, towards the extinguishment of the Indian Title to the lands in the Province, to appropriate a portion of such ungranted lands, to the extent of one million four hundred thousand acres thereof, for the benefit of the families of the half-breed residents, it is hereby enacted, that, under regulations to be from time to time made by the Governor General in Council, the Lieutenant-Governor shall select such lots or tracts in such parts of the Province as he may deem expedient, to the extent aforesaid, and divide the same among the children of the half-breed heads of families residing in the Province at the time of the said transfer to Canada, and the same shall be granted to the said children respectively, in such mode and on such conditions as to settlement and otherwise.
[9] In order to receive scrip for children living or deceased, proof of birth in Manitoba prior to 1871 was required.
[9] The legislature also enacted English-only laws, which were later found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Canada in the case Reference re Manitoba Language Rights (1985).
The clause on the right to English and French in educational systems was not safeguarded and was instead disputed amongst political figures.
Notable people such as Pierre-Joseph-Olivier Chauveau and Liberal leader Alexander Mackenzie had opposing views on the clause that would affect the right to education in French or English.
However, the Canadian government later realized that the amount of land that was promised fell short compared to the number of Métis children entitled.
[20] In subsequent legal case regarding Section 31, the Court claimed that "there was no request for, expectation of or consideration by Canada to create a Métis homeland or land base.
