Today in Labor History March 19, 1885: Louis Riel declared a provisional government in Saskatchewan, marking the start of the North-West Rebellion. At the same time the Métis people rose up against the Canadian government, there was an associated uprising by First Nations Cree and Assiniboine. However, Riel’s movement had a heavily religious tone that alienated most Indigenous tribes, as well as some Métis. Nevertheless, he had the allegiance of 200 armed Métis, a few other Indigenous warriors, and at least one white man. About 91 people died in the fighting that occurred that spring before the rebellion collapsed.

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