Gabriel Dumont- 1837

 

He was the son of Ekapow Dumont and Louise Laframboise

-A hunter, merchant, ferryman and a leader with a voice.

His strengths were his courage, tactical skills and network

He gave Riel enthusiastic support for the 85 Rebellion work.

 

The buffalo hunt of 1851 led to a battle extraordinaire-

A few Metis were victorious while more Sioux despaired.

Horses and carts surrounded with riffle pits didn t succumb

Gabriel was now prepared for a bigger battle yet to come

 

Surveyers ignored Metis wanting River Lots unchanged

Dumont wanted battle, Riel wanted verbal exchange-

Dumont could destroy the NWMP from Fort Carlton

Riel was merciful- escape! -Kindness soon forgotten.

 

Resources dwindling the Metis said. Batoche in danger

The government had many, the Metis now endangered

They struggled in vain; an easy Government victory

Metis fled everywhere, no mercy shown now history.

 

Little is known about this Metis Leader since 1885.

He lived quietly as he aged with family by his side

Many of the Metis squatting on road allowance died

Trying to live without a home, income, food or pride.

 

Written By Carol Howard Vulliamy- 2009

Oral Story and Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.

Poem by Carol Vulliamy, Metis elder (Primary source documents -- Timeline)