INDG 100 S03: Epidemics, Métis Nation Birth, and North-West Resistance - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on epidemics, Indigenous and Métis history, and the North-West Resistance.

Epidemic

A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease in a community or region at a particular time.

Variola virus

The virus that causes smallpox.

Smallpox

A viral infection caused by variola virus; historically deadly, especially to Indigenous populations lacking prior exposure.

Morbillivirus

The genus of viruses that includes the measles virus.

Measles

A highly contagious viral disease caused by morbillivirus; symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash.

Influenza

A contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses; includes multiple strains that can mutate over time.

Spanish flu

The 1918–1919 global pandemic of influenza A, highly deadly and widely studied.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB).

Tuberculosis

A bacterial infection with active and latent forms, spread via airborne droplets; became widespread with crowding and settlement.

Turtle Island

Indigenous term for North America.

Zoonotic

A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Vaccine

A preparation that induces immunity to a disease; name derived from vacca (cow) due to early cowpox work.

Pemmican Proclamation

Hudson’s Bay Company decree restricting pemmican trade, contributing to Métis grievances in the Red River region.

Red River Settlement

European- and Métis-settled area around the Red River (near present-day Winnipeg).

Red River Resistance (Red River Rebellion)

1870 Métis-led political movement led by Louis Riel to secure rights; contributed to Manitoba Act.

Manitoba Act (1870)

Canadian act guaranteeing Métis land rights (about 1.4 million acres) and bilingual institutions; led to Manitoba’s creation.

Métis scrip

A form of land entitlement (or cash) issued to extinguish Métis land claims after Manitoba Act; included money scrip and land scrip.

Scrip Commissions

Government bodies that administered scrip distribution; known for complexity, delays, and corruption.

Selkirk Settlers

Colonists led by Lord Selkirk who established the Red River Settlement.

Rupert’s Land

A vast territory granted to the Hudson’s Bay Company; later transferred to Canada.

Louis Riel

Métis leader who guided the Red River and North-West Resistance movements.

Gabriel Dumont

Métis military leader allied with Louis Riel during the North-West Resistance.

Poundmaker (Pitikwahanapiwiyin)

Cree Chief who led his people during the North-West Resistance.

Little Pine (Minahikosis)

Cree Chief who played a role in the North-West Resistance.

Big Bear (Mistahi-maskwa)

Cree Chief who led resistance efforts during the North-West Resistance.

Wandering Spirit (kâ-pçpâmahchakwçw)

Cree leader name meaning Wandering Spirit.

One Arrow (kâ-pêyakwâskonam)

Cree Chief One Arrow.

Batoche

Site of the decisive 1885 Battle of Batoche, ending major North-West Resistance activity.

North-West Mounted Police

Canadian federal police force established to enforce law in the Northwest; predecessors of the RCMP.

Upper Fort Garry

Fort at the Red River settlement; site of key confrontations during the Red River Resistance.

Battle of Seven Oaks (La Victoire de la Grenouillère)

1816 conflict between Métis forces and Selkirk settlers; symbol of early Métis resistance.