Question

Metis list of rights-1869

These were the older rights. And I don't understand many of them, please simplify for me.

That treaties be concluded and ratified between the Dominion Government and the several tribes of Indians in the Territory to ensure peace on the frontier.

That the English and French languages be common in the Legislature and Courts, and that all Public Documents and Acts of the Legislature be published in both languages.

That for the term of four years all Military, Civil and Municipal expenses be paid out of Dominion funds.

Okay so these rights don’t seem to be speaking about the Metis that much, the Metis Bill of Rights which were updated in 1884 talk more about the Metis, these ones don’t at all. So what do these list of rights address about the Metis? Because to me, they don’t address anything about them, they just talk about French and English languages.

Answer 1

That treaties be concluded and ratified between the Dominion Government and the several tribes of Indians in the Territory to ensure peace on the frontier.
<b>Legal agreements (treaties) between the government and the Native tribes will guarantee peace on the frontier.</b>

That the English and French languages be common in the Legislature and Courts, and that all Public Documents and Acts of the Legislature be published in both languages.
<b>What part of that sentence don't you understand?</b>

That for the term of four years all Military, Civil and Municipal expenses be paid out of Dominion funds
<b>What part of that sentence don't you understand?

The Metis lived in the Northwest and spoke French.

Are these possibly promises that the Dominion of Canada had promised these people -- but had broken these promises?</b>

Answer 2

That the English and French languages be common in the Legislature and Courts, and that all Public Documents and Acts of the Legislature be published in both languages.

Its just saying that French and English will be the main languages of the country?

That for the term of four years all Military, Civil and Municipal expenses be paid out of Dominion funds

All the money will be taken out of the Dominion Funds to pay for expenses?


The Metis were the ones that drew up these lists of rights. I don't think the dominion promised them anything, the Metis were the ones that asked for all these priviledges. But I don't get what these list of rights are adressing about the Metis, cause it says nothing about the Metis. It doesnt even say anywhere "that land should be protected".

Answer 3

Yes, you're right.

The Metis were asking for these rights for all of the people -- at least of the western territories. Please clarify this with your teacher.

Answer 4

Okay. Thanks:)

Answer 5

Oh wait..So these rights weren't really for the Metis, the Metis were helping their other friends and asking for their rights, so they were helping their companion the Norwesters.

Answer 6

Right.