The Canadian government had appointed the notoriously…

The Canadian government had appointed the notoriously anti-French William McDougall as the Lieutenant Governor of the Northwest Territories-designate on September 28, 1869, in anticipation of a formal transfer to take effect on December 1.

This has increased tensions among the Métis.

Emerging as a leader, the educated Louis Riel had denounced the survey in a speech delivered in late August from the steps of Saint-Boniface Cathedral.

On October 11, 1869, Riel and other Métis had disrupted the survey's work.

On October 16, this group had organized as the "Métis National Committee" to represent Métis interests.

Riel had been elected secretary, John Bruce as president, and two representatives had been elected from each parish.

Because the Hudson's Bay Company's Council of Assiniboia still has authority over the area, its representatives summon Riel on October 25 to explain the actions of the Committee.

Riel declares that any attempt by McDougall to enter will be blocked unless the Canadians first negotiate terms with the Métis and with the general population of the settlement.