ves, from confederation if the bargain were broken in either of its branches.14 Flanagan states that there were no such provisions in the Act and it existed only in the mind of Riel, not in the law. Consequently, there should have been no legal basis for forming a second provisional government, even if the promises of 1870 had been disregarded.Although Flanagan felt the governments performance in Manitoba had left much to be desired he believes that the Metis migration to Saskatchewan had more to do with the social pressures exerted by the white immigrants and the retreat of the buffalo.15 He also explains that as migrants into Saskatchewan, the Metis did come into conflict with government officials; they had to, because they took up land as they pleased in outright defiance of regulations.16 The Metis were squatters and the government was reluctant to bend the rules for them, they had to treated as all other settlers were treated, according to legislation and settled policy.17 Flanagan believes that the government treated the Metis fairly and even conducted a case-by-case survey in 1884. They conducted the survey to determine the precise nature of each land claim, what part of the land could be granted as homestead and what part was open for purchase. Before the rebellion even began, Flanagan argued that the Metis received notification of the results, Between 26 February and 7 March, a letter was sent to each of the claimants stating the terms on which he could make an entry.18 Flanagan doesnt provide any proof to the fact that these letters existed, but he does say hes positive that, no Metis were forced off their chosen land.19Flanagan also points out that the other major Metis demand, cash compensation, for giving up their share of Indian title, should have been settled by the establishment of a half breed claims commission. This commission was announced to the Metis by telegram on the fourth of February and it should have e...
