Dominion of Canada

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Dominion of Canada
Classified Document
1869
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To the students in their eighth year of
elementary, of Professor A. Caruso, at the
common school of Holy Spirit, in the town of
Aurora, in the Province of Ontario, in the
Dominion of Canada
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A request has been made by the Right
Honourable Sir John Alexander Macdonald Prime
Minister of the Dominion of Canada
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To provide a service for your country and your
Queen
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If you succeed you will be rewarded handsomely an
d your country will be forever in your debt
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If you fail the future of our newly formed and
glorious country will be in jeopardy
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Dominion of Canada
Message from the office of the prime minister
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Ottawa, 1869, It is my pleasure to be writing
this message to the intelligent young
gentlemen, and of course young ladies, of Holy
Spirit. I have read about the fine work that you
have displayed, and from the reports submitted by
your most gracious and remarkable professor, I
feel that you young people are the only ones I
can turn to.
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We have just recently purchased Ruperts Land
from the Hudsons Bay Company for 300 000
pounds. I do not need to tell you the
importance of this sale as you have already
examined it in your debates. Hudsons Bay
Company withdrew their rule in January and the
whole region is to be transferred to our Dominion
on December 1st of this year.
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I appointed William McDougall to be the
lieutenant-governor for these North-West
Territories and Canadian surveyors have been
sent to survey the land for the great amount of
settlers we anticipate will settle these vast
lands. Most land was empty save for the 12 000
settlers living at the Red River Settlement
around Fort Garry and the Indians scattered
sparsely throughout the land.
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But a problem has arisen that could jeopardize
the smooth transition of the control of the
territories and quite possibly and most
worrisome, jeopardize the very union of the
Dominion which many (myself included) have
worked so hard - a problem I like to call
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The Trouble at Red River
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I have included work papers in the package that
you have just received. I ask that some good
kindly gentleman, or lady, please distribute one
to each of you in your room.
You will record all important information that I
will now be relaying to you. Do not be idle ...
time is a precious commodity that we cannot
afford to waste. Be certain to make good note of
this problem.
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I have mentioned that I had appointed McDougall
as the lieutenant-governor of the soon to be
acquired land. I sent him to the colony to set
up a Canadian government for the territory. He
had to travel through the United States because
there is no road nor railroad joining Ontario and
the North-West Territories.
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When he arrived at the border of the Red River
Settlement (October 21), McDougall found the road
leading to the Fort blocked by a group of armed
half-breeds known as Métis. They gave him a
written letter in French that told him that the
Métis would not have any governor without being
consulted first and fearing for his safety,
McDougall returned back to the U.S.
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On top of this abomination, I learned that the
government surveyors sent out to survey the land
were stopped by these Métis. The surveyors were
not allowed to continue with their work and were
threatened with harm if they did! Instead of
accepting the legitimate government from our
Dominion (to be set up by McDougall) these Métis
have set up their OWN government, a Provisional
Government. I have included a photograph of the
people who make up this provisional government.
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But the seriousness of this situation peaked
when I learned that, under the leadership of
Louis Riel (right), this government sent 120
armed Métis into Fort Garry and took control on
November 2. This fort contains large supplies of
food and ammunition. From this strategic
position, they can control the colony. This, my
dear friends, can only mean one thing - TREASON!
And treason is punishable by DEATH!
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However, I feel that I have become soft in my
old age. I do wish to solve this trouble
peacefully before our Dominion takes control of
the region on December 1st. Yet TRAITORS to the
Queen and country must be dealt with severely.
This is my dilemma Do I seek a peaceful
solution through negotiation, or do I use
force? This is where I need your help!
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Dominion of Canada
Classified Document
Your Mission
1869
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I need each and everyone of you fine young people
to act as Special Agents for the Dominion of
Canada. You are to infiltrate the Red River
Settlement to gather vital information so that I
can make the best decision in the interest of our
country.
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You are to get information about THE EVENTS 1.
What really happened with - McDougall - the
surveyors - the taking of Fort Garry? 2.
What demands does the Provisional
Government make? 3. Why did this trouble
happen?
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THE PEOPLE 1. Who are the peoples of the
west? 2. Who are the Métis? - find out more
about their culture 3. Who is Louis Riel?
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THE SOLUTION 1. Based on your research, what
should be the response of the Canadian
government? - Negotiate a peaceful settlement?
How? - Use force? How? 2. Give good reasons
for your recommendation.
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THE WRITTEN REPORT 1. You will present all this
information in a creative written
report. 2. Use your knowledge of writing
research reports and expository paragraphs to
produce a report that is accurate and
informative. 3. Be creative with your Top
Secret Report!
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I anxiously await your final recommendation. I
thank you in advance for your work. I ask that
you take this matter seriously. The fate of this
young nation rests in your hands. Sincerely, Joh
n A. Macdonald