The
Provisional Government of Saskatchewan was the name given by
Louis Riel to the independent state he declared during the
Northwest Rebellion of 1885 in what is today the
Canadian province of
Saskatchewan. 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
Battle of Batoche 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.