The Canadian government took possession of territory in the West in 1869. In the years that followed, the bison herds were almost completely destroyed. The resulting great change in the prairie landscape ushered in an extremely difficult period for the Plains Indians.

By signing treaties, the government hoped that the aboriginal peoples would relinquish all sovereign rights over their lands. Several native leaders accepted the principle of Indian reserve lands and asked for schools and agricultural supplies in return. Treaties 1 and 2 were signed in 1871, covering almost all of southern Manitoba. They contained a commitment on the part of the government to supply seed and equipment to communities on the reserves.
Despite its apparent promise, the short-lived, experimental attempt to promote agriculture failed. The Indians were met with either indifference or a complete change of heart from the authorities, and faced racism in the newly-emerging society. By the early years of the 20th century, the native peoples lived on the fringes of agricultural communities, recognized only by a token presence in parades and during country fairs.