Gabriel Dumont- Battles of River
Coteau-1851 and Batoche- 1885
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 expert tactical skill in
the ’85 Rebellion work.
The buffalo hunt of 1851 led to a
battle extraordinaire-
Few Metis were victorious- many more
Sioux in despair.
Horses and carts surrounded with rifle
pits didn’t succumb
Gabriel was now prepared for a bigger
battle yet to come.
Surveyors 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, Metis now
endangered
Three to eight ratio guaranteed
Government victory.
Metis fled everywhere; no mercy shown
is 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- Metis
Elder- 2010