The Northwest Rebellion (1885) In 1885, Metis leader Louis Riel proclaimed a provisional government in an attempt to call attention to his people's concerns about western Canadian settlement. In response, the Canadian government dispatched the North West Field Force under Major General Middleton, who suffered severe setbacks at the hands of Riel's general, Gabriel Dumont. Dumont's use of surprise raids and ambushes frustrated the Field Force, who were used to more traditional tactics. Riel eventually surrendered at Batoche on May 15, was found guilty of treason and hanged in Regina on November 16, 1885. This statue depicts Metis hero Gabriel Dumont, who successfully escaped to the United States and was later granted amnesty and allowed to return to Batoche.