The roots of western discontent : an interpretation of the white settlers’ role in the rebellion of 1885 ...

• Main Author: Fairey, Elaine Louise
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2010
• Subjects: Metis
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0096469; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0096469

The 1870 Resistance at Red River and the Saskatchewan Rebellion of 1885 form an important chapter in the history of the Canadian West and are considered pivotal episodes in the development of the region. Despite the presence and participation of the white settlers in certain aspects of these protest movements, especially in the latter, studies have tended to characterize these events primarily as the result of the actions of Louis Riel and the Metis, relegating the role of the whites to a subordinate position in their analyses. This trend has had important consequences for the interpretion of Western Canadian history. As the idea of Western discontent and distinctive regionalism is fundamental in understanding the history of the region, the focus on the Metis role in protests against the Canadian Government has led to the conclusion that Western discontent grew out of the Metis experience and that it was Western, that is, environmental, in origin. However, as Western society and culture were shaped to an ...