Cypress Hills Massacre

The Cypress Hills Massacre was a massacre which occurred on June 1, 1873 in the Cypress Hills region of Battle Creek, Saskatchewan, when American "wolfers", who believed that the cause of their horses being lost was that the nearby Nakoda (Assiniboine) natives were stealing them. After a night of alcoholic drinking, the "wolfers" set out to confront the natives and during the battle, between 16 and 22 Nakoda were killed, including men, women and children. One "wolfer" was also killed.

This incident outraged Canadians, who wanted Americans to respect their sovereignty, however, western Canada was threatened and then Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald was convinced to pass a bill to create the North West Mounted Police. Fort Walsh, Saskatchewan served as the NWMP headquarters from 1878 until 1883. All of the "wolfers" were arrested and tried none were ever convicted.