Despite their refusal to join an armed struggle led by Riel and Dumont, the English-speaking Metis make clear in this document the depth of resentment many people in the North-West felt towards Dominion government policies. (Reprinted in the Sessional Papers No. 43, 1886)
At a mass meeting held at Lindsay schoolhouse, 23rd March, 1885, the following was unanimously adopted:
1st. That a petition be sent to the Government setting forth that the French in this district have taken up arms.
2nd. That the Indians, to a great extent, are in sympathy with them.
3rd. That the English half-breed and Canadian settlers likewise have grievances, and are in sympathy with them to get redress of grievances in a lawful manner, but not to take up arms.
4th. That there is great danger of a civil war-an Indian war-and all that means.
5th. That the French have rights and are determined men.
6th. That there is no way of settling this disturbance but by treaty or war.
7th. That the neutral party, the English half-breeds and Canadian settlers who wish to remain at peace, and their wives and families, do beg of the Government to treat with the settlers giving them their just rights and save the destruction of their families.
8th. That we have come to this country in good faith that we would have our rights respected as British subjects.
9th. That the Government has refused to treat with settlers till our party could bear it no longer, and will have their rights or die.
10th. We therefore beg of the Government to do justice to the settlers, treat with them and save the effusion of blood.
THOMAS F. MILLER, Chairman,
WILLIAM MILLER, Secretary,
And 455 others.