The North-West Rebellion of 1885

Chief Poundmaker, the Battle of Cut Knife, and more, from Father Louis Cochin

Reverend Father Louis Cochin was a Catholic missionary who lived among the Cree in Saskatchewan during the late 1800s. In a letter to Major Pascal, he offers a glimpse into the lives of a missionary, the Cree, and 19th-century Canada. Moreover, he provides his account of the events of the Northwest Rebellion—an armed uprising of the Metis led by Louis Riel. I don’t want to spoil or raise your expectations too much. However, the essay is riveting. I hope you enjoy it.

Before you read, let me provide some context. A good friend of mine permitted me to post this essay. His father digitized it, and his grandfather translated the Reverend’s letter from French into English. The Reverend himself is my friend’s grandfather’s grandmother’s brother. Finally, I cannot guarantee perfect accuracy— there may have been context lost in translation or exaggerations in the original letter.

Without further ado, please enjoy this slice of history straight from your friend’s friend’s grandfather’s grandmother’s brother.