The North West Canada Medal (front)

The North West Canada Medal
This medal was awarded to every soldier that took part in the Rebellion. The example pictured above was awarded to Bugler Foulkes, the second person killed in action in the history of the Regiment.

Of the 5,650 medals awarded, 91 were given to the Canadian Infantry School Corps.


The North West Canada Medal (back)



The RCR » The RCR Museum » Tour the Museum » The Northwest Rebellion 1885

The RCR Museum - The Northwest Rebellion 1885

Once referred to as the "Riel Rebellion", the Northwest Rebellion marked the only war in history fought entirely by Canadian troops. The rebellion pitted the English ruling establishment against the French-speaking Métis and Plains Indians tribes of Saskatchewan. Drawn together by the frustration of dealing with an unresponsive government, the Métis and Plains Indian leaders proclaimed their own "Governing Council of the Provincial Government of Saskatchewan" at Batoche, 18 March 1885. The ability to move troops across vast distances using rail travel, drastically reducing time spent "marching" to the battle destination, was one of the keys to the downfall of the rebellion.

Louis Riel surrendered to Government Forces that included "C" Company of the Infantry School Corps (precursor to The Royal Canadian Regiment) on 12 May 1885 at Batoche. The rebellion ended on the 2nd of July 1885 with the surrender of the Cree leader, Chief Big Bear.