Fort Battleford

Established in 1876, Fort Battleford presided over some of the most pivotal events in the history of western Canada.The North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) at Fort Battleford assisted during the negotiations between First Nations and the Canadian government at the time of the signing of Treaty Six. They established the rule of Canadian law and order while the community of Battleford, the first seat of government for the North-West Territories, grew into a thriving community. They supervised the early settlement of the area, and even provided settlers from among their own retired members.The NWMP were also charged with looking to the welfare of the local First Nations. During the conflicts which arose in 1885, when it appeared that citizens of the West might rise in open revolt, the NWMP at Fort Battleford provided a steadying influence and served as a refuge for area residents who feared a general outbreak of violence.