5: Interior Plains Flashcards
What is the Interior Plains?
A large region covering parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Yukon Territory
What is the geographical characteristic of the Interior Plains?
Fairly flat with low hills
What types of landscapes are found in the Interior Plains?
Grassland, wooded parkland, and large northern forests
Which First Nations have historically lived in the Interior Plains?
Blackfoot, Cree, and Dene
What economic activity expanded into the Interior Plains region?
The fur trade
Who were the key groups involved in the fur trade in the Interior Plains?
Francophone traders, Métis, and British explorers
What development occurred as a result of the fur trade?
Building of trading posts
What led to the settlement of communities and cities in the Interior Plains?
Natural resources such as coal, oil, gas, and forests
Fill in the blank: The Interior Plains has areas of _______ and wooded parkland.
grassland
True or False: The Interior Plains is characterized by mountainous terrain.
False
What are droughts?
Long periods without rain or snow.
What are bison also called?
Buffalo.
Where did the Verreau family move in the 1890s?
Bon Accord, Alberta.
What natural resources are found in the Interior Plains?
- Oil
- Natural gas
- Coal
- Forests
- Farmland
What severe weather events can occur in the Interior Plains?
- Droughts
- Flooding
- Tornadoes
- Hail
- Dust storms
- Blizzards
- Ice storms
Which First Nations developed ways of life on the Interior Plains?
- Saulteaux
- Cree
- Blackfoot (Siksika, Pikani, and Kainai)
- Dene
What animals did the First Nations hunt in the Interior Plains?
- Caribou
- Moose
- Bison
In the 1700s, which group came to explore the Interior Plains?
Francophones.
What role did the Cree and Métis people have in the fur trade?
- Supplied food
- Acted as guides and scouts
What facilitated the arrival of many settlers to the Plains in the late 1800s?
The completion of the railway.
Fill in the blank: Droughts are long periods without _______.
[rain or snow]
Who are the original inhabitants of the Interior Plains?
The First Nations of the Interior Plains
What is a significant reason people continue to move to the Interior Plains?
Natural resources such as coal, natural gas, and oil
What types of industries provide work for many people in the Interior Plains?
Industries related to farming, government, manufacturing, medicine, and education
Fill in the blank: The descendants of people who came to _______ also continue to live in the region.
[settle in the region]
True or False: The Interior Plains only attract people from other countries.
False
What types of jobs are available in towns and cities of the Interior Plains?
Government, manufacturing, medicine, and education
Who were the primary Indigenous groups living on the Interior Plains?
The Plains Cree, Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai
What animals did the Plains Indigenous peoples primarily hunt for food?
Bison and caribou
Fill in the blank: The Plains Indigenous peoples settled near sources of _______ and _______.
water, food
What was the significance of bison to the Plains Indigenous peoples?
Food, clothing, and other items
True or False: Bison roamed in small groups across the prairies.
False
What did the Dene people rely on for food and clothing?
Caribou
Fill in the blank: The Dene traveled following the _______ across the north.
caribou
What did people exclaim when it rained, according to the Dene Elder?
‘Haaaay, it’s raining! That’s great, for the caribou is going to be fat!’
What type of vegetation did bison primarily consume?
Prairie grasses
Why did First Nations people move with the bison herds?
To hunt them for food
Who were the majority of the coureurs des bois, explorers, and voyageurs during the fur trade?
Canadiens
Canadiens were French-speaking settlers from Canada.
What was the first European language spoken in the Interior Plains?
French
French was introduced during the fur trade era.
In which decade did Pierre de La Vérendrye set up forts along the Saskatchewan River?
1720s
He was assisted by his sons and a guide.
Who was Laurent Leroux?
A Canadien fur trader
He set up Fort Resolution and Fort Providence.
Where did Laurent Leroux establish trading forts?
Great Slave Lake
These forts became important centers for the fur trade.
What role did the trading forts play in the fur trade?
They became centres for fur trade in each area
They facilitated trade and employment for many.
True or False: Most of the people who worked in the trading forts spoke English.
False
Most spoke French.
What demographic change occurred in Western Canada in the mid 1800s?
The population of Francophones grew.
Who established missions in Western Canada during the mid 1800s?
Roman Catholic priests and religious sisters.
Name three types of institutions established by missionaries in Western Canada.
- Churches
- Schools
- Hospitals
What was the role of travelling missionaries in the mid 1800s?
They ministered to the Francophone settlers.
In which regions were missions established by Catholic clergy?
- Saint-Boniface
- Fort Edmonton
- St. Albert
What trend was observed among Canadiens in Québec in the late 1800s and early 1900s?
Many Canadiens were moving to the United States to look for work.
What did Catholic clergy encourage Francophone professionals to do in the late 1800s?
To settle in the Interior Plains.
Fill in the blank: Roman Catholic priests and religious sisters came to __________ and other settlements to establish missions.
[Saint-Boniface]
True or False: The missions established by Catholic clergy included only churches.
False
Who founded Gravelbourg?
Father Louis-Pierre Gravel
A Catholic priest from Québec.
In what year was Gravelbourg founded?
1906
What title was given to Father Louis-Pierre Gravel by the Canadian government?
missionary-colonizer
Where did Father Gravel travel to promote Gravelbourg?
United States and Eastern Canada
What impact did Father Gravel’s travels have on Gravelbourg?
Many families came to live in Gravelbourg
What type of school did Father Gravel create in Gravelbourg?
Francophone school
Where was one of the significant Métis settlements located?
Along the Red River, where Winnipeg is today
This area was crucial for its role in fur trade routes.
What were the two main reasons the Red River settlement was important?
- The river and Lake Winnipeg facilitated fur trade routes
- The Assiniboine River led farther west
What types of work did the Métis commonly engage in?
- Trappers
- Bison hunters
- Supplying food for forts
What was the first Métis settlement in Saskatchewan?
Cumberland House
What type of company did many Métis work for?
Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company
Fill in the blank: The first Métis settlement in Saskatchewan was at _______.
Cumberland House
True or False: The Métis were among the first to settle in the Interior Plains.
True
What food source was crucial for traders and explorers from the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company?
Pemmican
Pemmican is a preserved food made from meat, fat, and berries.
Why did traders and explorers rely on pemmican?
They were travelling great distances into the West and the North and needed preserved food to survive
Pemmican’s long shelf life made it ideal for long journeys.
What role did pemmican play in the economy of the Métis people?
It became an important source of income for them
The Métis people produced and sold pemmican to support their livelihoods.
What significant change occurred for First Nations people of the Interior Plains with the establishment of trading posts?
Trapping furs for the fur trade became part of daily life
This shift marked a transition in lifestyle and economic activity for these communities.
By the mid-1900s, what lifestyle change did many First Nations, such as the Dene, adopt?
They began to live in permanent homes near the trading posts
This change indicates a move towards more sedentary living and integration into the fur trade economy.
How long have horses lived in the Interior Plains?
Only a few hundred years
Horses were introduced to the Plains by Spanish explorers.
What was the primary mode of hunting bison for First Nations people before the arrival of horses?
Hunting on foot
This method required different strategies and tools compared to horseback hunting.
What period do the Siksika refer to as the ‘Dog Days’?
The time when dogs helped carry people’s belongings across the Prairies
This term reflects the reliance on dogs for transportation before horses became prevalent.
Who brought horses to the Interior Plains?
Spanish explorers
This introduction of horses transformed the lifestyle and hunting practices of First Nations people.
What are the Highlands?
The Highlands are a mountainous area in Scotland.
What was the Red River Colony?
A settlement established in 1811 when the Hudson’s Bay Company granted part of Rupert’s Land to the Earl of Selkirk.
Who was granted the territory known as Rupert’s Land?
The Earl of Selkirk.
What did Selkirk name the territory he was granted?
Territory of Assiniboia.
Why did Selkirk want to establish a new farming community in Assiniboia?
To bring homeless farmers and their families from the Scottish Highlands.
What was the primary purpose of the settlers from the Scottish Highlands?
To establish a new farming community in Assiniboia.
Fill in the blank: The Earl of Selkirk’s plan involved bringing farmers from the _______.
Scottish Highlands.
True or False: The Red River Colony was established before 1811.
False.
What was the socio-economic situation that led to the establishment of the Red River Colony?
Many farmers were forced off their land by English landlords in Scotland.
What was the primary concern of the Métis and fur traders regarding the new agricultural settlement?
Disruption of their way of life
The introduction of an agricultural settlement might have affected their traditional practices and economy.
What significant geographical area is highlighted in the text?
Territory of Assiniboia
This territory was where the settlers started their colony.
What challenges did the settlers face on their journey to Red River in 1812?
Difficult travel conditions
They landed at Fort Churchill and had to travel to York Factory on foot.
What fort did the settlers build upon arriving at Red River?
Fort Douglas
This fort was built after their difficult journey.
Why were the Scots saved from starvation during the winter at Red River?
Pemmican provided by the Métis
The Métis played a crucial role in supporting the settlers during harsh conditions.
What agricultural activities did the settlers begin in the summer after their arrival?
Building houses and planting crops
This marked the establishment of the first farming settlement in the Interior Plains.
Fill in the blank: The Red River Colony became the first _______ settlement in the Interior Plains.
farming
This highlights the significance of agriculture in the region.
What year did the Hudson’s Bay Company give control of Rupert’s Land to the new government of Canada?
1870
Who was the first prime minister of Canada?
Sir John A. Macdonald
What police force was created by Sir John A. Macdonald to bring law and authority to the North-West Territories?
North-West Mounted Police
What nickname did the North-West Mounted Police soon become known by?
Mounties
Why was a mounted police force considered best for the North-West Territories?
Due to the vast distances of the new Territories
What was the North-West Mounted Police force modelled after?
The British cavalry
Fill in the blank: A cavalry is a group of soldiers or police who use _______.
horses
Where were the NWMP officers photographed during the 1870s?
Fort Walsh, Saskatchewan
Fort Walsh became the headquarters for the NWMP in 1878.
What was the training location for the new North-West Mounted Police (NWMP)?
Fort Dufferin, Manitoba
In what year did the NWMP embark on their journey from Fort Dufferin?
1874
How long was the line of Mounties and their supplies during the March West?
About 4 km long
What was the destination of the NWMP’s journey in 1874?
Sweet Grass hills in Alberta
What was the total distance trekked by the NWMP on horseback from Fort Dufferin to Alberta?
About 1500 km
Fill in the blank: The headquarters for the NWMP in 1878 was located at _______.
Fort Walsh
True or False: The NWMP’s journey to Alberta was approximately 2000 km long.
False
What does NWMP stand for?
North-West Mounted Police
The NWMP is known today as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
What was the impact of the NWMP’s presence on the Interior Plains?
People felt safer and more settlers were willing to create new communities.
What role did the NWMP play regarding the borders with the United States?
They enforced the new borders that were being developed.
What symbol did the red-coated Mountie represent?
A symbol of Canadian presence in the West.
What is the contemporary name for the NWMP?
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Fill in the blank: The NWMP patrolled _______ areas.
isolated
True or False: The presence of the NWMP discouraged settlers from coming to the Interior Plains.
False
Why do you think the name NWMP was changed?
To reflect its modern role and identity as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
What was one of the main functions of the NWMP in the Interior Plains?
To patrol the region and ensure safety.
When did the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway begin?
1881
What was one of the primary benefits of the Canadian Pacific Railway for settlers?
Allowed settlers to ship their produce by rail to both ends of the country
How did the railway impact the movement of the NWMP?
Allowed the NWMP to move quickly in times of trouble
What was the effect of the railway on the bison population?
Hundreds of thousands of bison were killed, leading to their near extinction
What did railway companies encourage people to do regarding bison?
Shoot them to keep the bison off the tracks
What hardships did the First Nations and Métis face due to the decline of the bison?
Enormous hardship due to dependence on bison for food, clothing, and shelter
Fill in the blank: The railway helped bring many settlers to the _______.
Prairies
True or False: The Canadian Pacific Railway was completed in the late 1800s.
True
What were the Treaty 8 negotiations about?
They upheld sharing of resources and peaceful co-existence.
Treaty 8 was signed in 1899 in Lesser Slave Lake, Alberta.
Why did the Government of Canada want to make treaties?
To build a railway and bring settlers in to farm the land.
Who had always lived on the land where the railway was built?
First Nations people.
What were First Nations people concerned about regarding the railway?
How and where they would live now.
What did the leaders of First Nations and government leaders do?
They met to discuss a compromise, which became a series of treaties.
What did First Nations want in relation to settlers?
Peaceful co-existence with settlers.
Fill in the blank: The treaty negotiations were a response to the desire of the Government of Canada to _______.
[build a railway and bring settlers in to farm the land]
True or False: The treaties were made without the involvement of First Nations leaders.
False.
What was the general sentiment of some First Nations people regarding signing treaties?
They do not think signing the treaties was a good idea
Many First Nations people felt that treaties restricted their freedom to travel and live on their traditional lands.
What restrictions did the treaties impose on First Nations people?
They were allowed to live only on land provided by the government
Often, this land was poor and difficult to farm.
What aspects of cultural practices were affected by the treaties for First Nations people?
Sacred gatherings were forbidden
As a result, these gatherings had to be held secretly.
Despite hardships, what do First Nations people continue to do?
Preserve their cultural heritage and traditions
This indicates resilience in maintaining their identity.
How were the lives of the Métis affected by the railway?
Their lives were changing significantly
The railway impacted their access to traditional lands and resources.
What concerns did the Métis have regarding their future?
The fur trade had slowed down and many Métis had lost their jobs with the trading companies
Additionally, increased settlement on the prairies affected their traditional hunting grounds.
Fill in the blank: The fur trade had ______ down, affecting the Métis.
slowed
This decline had significant economic impacts on the Métis community.
True or False: The Métis were unaffected by the arrival of more settlers on the prairies.
False
The arrival of more settlers encroached on the lands where the Métis had once hunted and lived.
What was one of the primary locations where the Métis lived?
Red River settlement
This area was significant for the Métis culture and history.
What was becoming scarce according to the text?
Bison
What is scrip?
A coupon that could be exchanged for land or money
Who were given scrip at the same time that First Nations signed treaties?
The Métis
How was the concept of scrip explained to the Métis?
Not explained well
What did some people do to take advantage of the Métis regarding scrip?
Persuaded them to sell their scrip for less than it was worth
What illegal action was taken against the Métis concerning their land?
Forged Métis signatures
What was the outcome for many Métis after the scrip situation?
Left with very little
Fill in the blank: Scrip was a coupon that could be exchanged for _______.
land or money
True or False: The Métis fully understood the concept of scrip.
False
Who is shown in the photo mentioned in the text?
Gabriel Dumont
What is a homestead?
The land granted to a settler.
Why did many people from Eastern Europe settle in Canada during the late 1800s?
Land and work were scarce in Eastern Europe, and Canada offered great opportunities.
Which groups of people from Eastern Europe settled in the Interior Plains?
People from Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and Poland.
What contributions did settlers make to the Interior Plains?
They cleared land, built schools and churches, and created communities.
What is the significance of the Ukrainian settlers in Canada?
They were mostly farmers, and education was important; many children became teachers.
Fill in the blank: The University of _____ has a center for Ukrainian Studies.
Alberta
Fill in the blank: The legacy of _____ has centers for Ukrainian Studies.
Manitoba
True or False: Many communities established by settlers in the Interior Plains no longer exist today.
False
What was a major factor that influenced the lifestyle of Ukrainian settlers?
Their farming techniques and emphasis on education.
Who were the Doukhobors?
A religious group that believed in peace and hard work.
What did the Doukhobors settle in the region?
Vast tracks of land.
What agricultural contribution did the Doukhobors make?
Brought varieties of wheat still grown in the region today.
What was a significant hardship faced by early settlers?
Living in canvas tents that provided poor shelter.
What was the impact of the incessant rains on the settlers?
The tents dripped and leaked, making everything soggy.
Who were the first group of German-speaking settlers in Manitoba?
The Mennonites.
What role did John Schulta play in Manitoba’s history?
He became the Lieutenant Governor in 1888 and played an important role in the province’s development.
Fill in the blank: The hardships of the first few months of pioneer life are ______.
unforgettable.
What are some ways to see the contributions of settlers today?
Community and street names, books, foods, organizations, or people.
True or False: The Doukhobors were known for their violent beliefs.
False.
What industries did Polish settlers work in within the Interior Plains?
Farming, mining, forest industry
Polish settlers contributed to the economy by engaging in these sectors.
What type of community support did Polish settlers provide?
Community groups and associations
These groups helped newcomers settle and adapt in Canada.
What do Polish associations offer today?
Scholarships and community support
These associations continue to assist Polish immigrants and their descendants.
Who was John Clewich?
A Polish settler and the first Post Master of Elmca
He opened a store in Manitoba in 1903.
What is the Wawel Meat Market known for?
Specializing in Polish food
It is located in a culturally diverse neighborhood in Winnipeg.
Why did British settlers come to the Interior Plains during the Great Migration?
Crowded conditions in Britain and lack of jobs
Many sought opportunities for land ownership.
What did many families from Britain desire when migrating to Canada?
Owning their own land
This was a significant motivation for British settlers.
Fill in the blank: James Clinkskill found other ways to make a living in Canada even though he did not have _______.
farming experience
This highlights the adaptability of settlers in new environments.
Who encouraged people from England to settle in Saskatchewan in 1903?
Reverend Isaac Barr
Isaac Barr was instrumental in promoting the Barr Colony.
Approximately how many people agreed to come to the Barr Colony?
About 2000 people
This number reflects the initial interest in the colony.
What did the settlers find upon arriving at the Barr Colony?
Many of Barr’s promises could not be kept
This included issues with food and necessary equipment.
What did Reverend Isaac Barr charge the colonists for?
Food and necessary equipment
This financial burden contributed to dissatisfaction among settlers.
Who was voted as the new leader of the Barr Colony?
Reverend George Lloyd
His leadership marked a turning point for the colony.
What was the main community in the Barr Colony named?
Lloydminster
Lloydminster later became a city in 1958.
When did Lloydminster become a city?
1958
This reflects the growth and development of the Barr Colony.
Who encouraged people from England to settle in Saskatchewan in 1903?
Reverend Isaac Barr
Isaac Barr was instrumental in promoting the Barr Colony.
Approximately how many people agreed to come to the Barr Colony?
About 2000 people
This number reflects the initial interest in the colony.
What did the settlers find upon arriving at the Barr Colony?
Many of Barr’s promises could not be kept
This included issues with food and necessary equipment.
What did Reverend Isaac Barr charge the colonists for?
Food and necessary equipment
This financial burden contributed to dissatisfaction among settlers.
Who was voted as the new leader of the Barr Colony?
Reverend George Lloyd
His leadership marked a turning point for the colony.
What was the main community in the Barr Colony named?
Lloydminster
Lloydminster later became a city in 1958.
When did Lloydminster become a city?
1958
This reflects the growth and development of the Barr Colony.
What is irrigation?
Water supplied to dry land using pipes, ditches, or streams
What is organic farming?
Uses no chemicals on plants or animals
What region is known for having good conditions for raising cattle?
The Interior Plains region
This region offers suitable grasses, streams, and rivers for cattle.
What resources do the Interior Plains provide for cattle ranching?
Food and water
Grasses, streams, and rivers are essential resources.
What types of livestock were historically raised for settlers’ families?
Sheep and cattle
These were common livestock for food and resources.
How did the railway impact ranching in Canada?
Enabled larger ranches to sell cattle and sheep to different parts of Canada
The railway facilitated transportation and market access.
What are some dangers faced by ranchers in the Interior Plains?
Wildfires, drought, severe storms, disease among animals
These factors can significantly impact ranching operations.
What modern method helps prevent diseases among livestock?
Vaccinating animals
Vaccination has become a standard practice to protect herds.
Fill in the blank: Some ranchers are raising different kinds of stock, such as _______.
ostriches, elk, and bison
Diversification in livestock is a trend among some ranchers.
What is a factory farm?
A factory farm is one where large numbers of only one type of animal are raised, such as cattle or chickens.
What drove the establishment of factory farms?
The huge demand for the animal and its products.
What are some advantages of factory farms?
Technology allows for raising large quantities of animals quickly.
What are some disadvantages of factory farms?
They can be unhealthy, treat animals cruelly, and cause pollution from animal waste.
What is a significant environmental issue faced by the southern parts of the Interior Plains?
Droughts during the summer.
What can happen if dry periods in the Interior Plains last all year?
There may be little snow in winter and no spring rains.
What year did southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan experience significant drought?
2002.
What was the condition of the earth in the summer of 2001 leading into 2002?
The earth continued to dry out.
Fill in the blank: Factory farms often face criticism for causing _______.
pollution.
True or False: Factory farms primarily raise a diverse range of animal species.
False.
What type of chart can help analyze problems faced by farmers and ranchers in the Interior Plains?
A Cause and Effect chart.
What is potash primarily used for?
Fertilizer
Potash is rich in potassium, an important nutrient for plants.
What are some natural resources found in the Interior Plains?
- Oil
- Gas
- Salt
- Gypsum
- Potash
- Forests
- Rivers
- Rich soil
How do natural resources affect community development in the Interior Plains?
They create jobs and lead to the development of communities.
True or False: Towns in the Interior Plains often develop around natural resources.
True
Fill in the blank: Natural resources create _______ for thousands of people.
jobs
What is a significant nutrient for plants found in potash?
Potassium
What types of deposits can be found underground in the Interior Plains?
- Oil
- Gas
- Salt
- Gypsum
- Potash
What was the original purpose of Winnipeg when it was founded?
A fur-trading post
Founded by Pierre de La Vérendrye in 1738.
In what year did the community adopt the name Winnipeg?
1876
This marked a significant change in the community’s identity.
What role do railways play in Winnipeg’s economy?
Transport grain and other natural resources
Railways connect western farms to Eastern Canada.
What is the current population of Winnipeg?
Over 650,000
This indicates significant growth since its founding.
What are the three main sectors that Winnipeg is known for?
- Government
- Commerce
- The arts
These sectors contribute to the city’s identity and economy.