1885 and after : native society in transition

Summary: "The year 1985 represents the centenary of the event commonly known as the North-West "Rebellion." In recent years, intensive analysis of the events associated with 1885 has resulted in new interpretations of this significant component of Native history. No longer is Louis Riel described as a lunatic, or Chiefs Poundmaker and Big Bear as blood-thirsty savages bent on insurrection. No longer are the Métis and Indians who took up arms in 1885 dismissed simply as rebels, raging against the encroachments of a superier immigrant society. No longer are Sir John A. Macdonald and other government officials uncritically accepted as disinterested guardians of the national interest. We have, in fact, only begun to fully understand many of the significant issues and personalities of that say. It is in the interest of furthering that understanding that this volume is presented." --