In 1812 two competing corporations in North America went to war over natural resource riches, the Hudson’s Bay Company in Rupert’s Land and the North West Company in prairie and northwest territories. First Nations people benefitted by trading furs for manufactured goods and guns. Pemmican was a key food for the voyageurs which the North West Company secured from the Métis, descendants of European fathers and indigenous mothers and a bridge between two cultures.

The Earl of Selkirk decided to established a colony for the persecuted Highland Scots at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Competition for control of pemmican led to the Pemmican Wars culminating in the Battle of Seven Oaks. Peace came when the North West Company agreed to merge with the Hudson’s Bay Company, Finally the Red River colony could thrive, laying the groundwork for the City of Winnipeg. The Métis emerged with a greater sense of identity and a confidence that inspired Louis Riel in a final act of defiance.