APRIL 24, 1885

BATTLE OF FISH CREEK—MÉTIS HALT FEDERAL FORCES IN NORTH-WEST REBELLION

The Rebellion grew from tensions between the Métis, Aboriginal peoples, settlers, and Canada’s federal government. The Métis victory at the Battle of Duck Lake in March, prompted creation of the North West Field Force under Major-General F.D. Middleton. On 24 April 1885, his forces encountered the Métis and their Cree & Dakota allies at Fish Creek. Gabriel Dumont led the Métis & allies into Tourond’s Coulee to lay in ambush. Dumont was outnumbered, but Middleton’s forces were untested. In the Coulee, the Métis & allies were safe from Middleton’s artillery.  When Middleton’s forces tried to advance, they became exposed resulting in heavy casualties. By evening, the Métis, lacking ammunition & arms, set fire to the prairie to push back the militia. Middleton then also withdrew. With 10 soldiers dead & almost 45 wounded, his confidence was shaken. Métis suffered 6 casualties. The Battle of Fish Creek was a victory for the Métis who suffered fewer losses and delayed Middleton’s advance.

Source: “Battle of Tourond's Coulee/Fish Creek National Historic Site of Canada,” Parks Canada.  Retrieved 9/19/2021, Parks Canada - Battle of Tourond's Coulee / Fish Creek National Historic Site of Canada (pc.gc.ca)
Lithograph: Fred W. Curzon (1862-1890), Toronto Lith. Co., 1885. Public Domain. Source: Library and Archives Canada under the reproduction reference number C-002425 and under the MIKAN ID number 2837591.