Provisional Government of Saskatchewan

Provisional Government of Saskatchewan
Gouvernement provisoire de la Saskatchewan
Unrecognized state, Provisional Government
1885
Flag
Anthem The Song of Pierre Falcon
Location of Saskatchewan
Capital
Languages		French (Métis French), Michif, Cree
Government		Military Dictatorship Republic
Chieftain
•	1885	Louis Riel
Legislature		Exovedate
History
•	Established	March 19, 1885
•	Disestablished	May 20, 1885
Preceded by Succeeded by Canada Northwest Territories Canada Northwest Territories
Today part of		Canada -  Saskatchewan

Flag

The Provisional Government of Saskatchewan was an independent state declared during the Northwest Rebellion of 1885 in what is today the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The name was given by Louis Riel. Although Riel initially hoped to rally the Countryborn, Cree and European settlers of the Saskatchewan Valley to his banner, this did not occur. The government, with the exception of Honoré Jaxon and Chief White Cap, had an entirely French-speaking and Métis leadership. Gabriel Dumont was proclaimed Adjutant General in which capacity he became supreme military commander, although Riel could, and did, override his tactical decisions. The Provisional Government was declared by Riel on March 19, 1885. It ceased to exist following the defeat of the Métis militarily during the which concluded on May 20, 1885. During its existence the government only exercised authority over the Southbranch Settlements along the South Saskatchewan River. Other major centres in the area such as Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and most First Nations reserves remained outside of its control.