[3] The medal was established by the Canadian government in September 1885 after consultation between the governor general of Canada and the British secretary of state for the colonies.

However, a Canadian order in council of 13 December 1886 recommended that the NWMP receive the medal, this being accepted by the British government on 16 February 1887.

The obverse, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, bears an effigy of Queen Victoria, facing left and wearing a diadem and veil.

The reverse, designed by Thomas Brock, has the inscription "North West 1885 Canada" in three lines surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves.

[2] The clasp "Saskatchewan" was awarded to those present at any of the four main encounters during the rebellion; Fish Creek, Batoche, Cut Knife, and Frenchman's Butte.