Batoche

Batoche, national historic site 44 km SW of Prince Albert, Sask; Métis community and scene of a major confrontation 9-12 May 1885 during the NORTH-WEST REBELLION. Maj-Gen Frederick MIDDLETON with about 900 men attacked less than 300 MÉTIS, Cree and Dakota defenders on 2 fronts: by river, from the HBC steamer Northcote, and by land. The strategy failed when the Métis lowered a ferry cable, decapitating the Northcote's smokestack and leaving the steamer to float harmlessly downstream.

The Métis also effectively resisted Middleton's land forces from elaborate rifle pits built under the supervision of Gabriel DUMONT. On the morning of May 12, Middleton's forces - a 9-pounder, a Gatling gun and about 130 men - feinted north, drawing the Métis out of their rifle pits around St-Antoine-de-Padoue Church and towards the Gatling gun. A strong wind prevented Lt-Col Van Straubenzie from hearing the guns and coordinating his attack on the church with Middleton's action. Shortly after noon Middleton's colonel, impatient with his caution, led a frontal attack on the weakened defenders, who were reduced to firing nails and stones from their rifles. The village was captured and the spirit of the resistance broken. Over 25 men from both sides were killed. Louis RIEL surrendered a few days later, Gabriel Dumont fled to the US, and other participants were captured and held for trial.

Batoche is now a national historic site, although the church and rectory are the only buildings standing from 1885. Remains of the Métis rifle pits and Middleton's camp can be seen, and Dumont and other Métis leaders are buried in the cemetery nearby. There is now a visitor reception centre to interpret the events of the battle and the Métis social and economic life.

Author WALTER HILDEBRANDT

Suggested Reading
B. Beal and R. Macleod, Prairie Fire (1984); W. Hildebrandt, The Battle of Batoche (1985); W. Oppen, The Riel Rebellions: A Cartographic History (1980); D. Payment, Batoche (1983).

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge
The website for the Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge, which features Canada's largest essay writing competition for Aboriginal youth (ages 14-29) and a companion program for those who prefer to work through painting, drawing and photography. See their guidelines, teacher resources, profiles of winners, and more. From the Historica-Dominion Institute.

Louis Riel
Watch the Heritage Minute about legendary Métis leader Louis Riel from the Historica-Dominion Institute. See also related online learning resources.

Batoche National Historic Site of Canada
This Parks Canada website offers a brief review of the historic Battle of Batoche, last battlefield in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885.

The Canadian Register of Historic Places
Canada is home to a vast array of fascinating historical sites. Many of them are illustrated and described in this searchable online database of Canadian historic places that are of local, provincial, territorial, and national significance.

The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture
This site features a wealth of primary sources about Métis history and culture. Includes oral history interviews, photographs, and various archival documents. Also offers informative learning activities that will immerse students and teachers in Métis traditional life and customs.