Pierre Delorme facts for kids
Pierre Delorme (born around October 1, 1832 – died November 10, 1912) was an important Métis leader. He was a fur trader, a businessman, and a farmer. He also played a big role in politics. He served in the Canadian Parliament and the Manitoba government.
He represented an area called Provencher in Canada's Parliament from 1871 to 1872. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He also served in the Manitoba government. He represented St. Norbert South from 1870 to 1874 and St. Norbert from 1878 to 1879.
One of his great-grandchildren is the well-known Métis author George R. D. Goulet. A bridge over the Red River near St. Adolphe is named after Pierre Delorme. This bridge is part of Provincial Road 210.
Pierre Delorme's Life Story
Pierre Delorme was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, in 1832. His parents were Joseph Amable Fafard dit Delorme and Josephte Bellisle. He worked for the Hudson's Bay Company from 1852 to 1856. This was at a place called Swan River.
In 1854, he married Adélaïde Millet dit Beauchemin. After getting married, he started a farm near Pointe-Coupée, which is now St. Adolphe.
Role in the Provisional Government
Pierre Delorme was part of the provisional government. This government was set up by Louis Riel. Delorme helped capture Major Charles Arkoll Boulton and Thomas Scott. They had tried to take over Upper Fort Garry (now Winnipeg). Delorme left Riel's government after a difficult decision was made about Boulton.
Public Service and Politics
In 1870, Pierre Delorme was named a justice of the peace. This meant he could help keep order and deal with minor legal matters. In 1871, he joined a group of volunteers. They helped defend Manitoba from the Fenian raids. These raids were attempts by Irish-American groups to invade Canada.
Delorme supported Louis Riel as a candidate for Provencher in 1872 and 1873. Riel stepped aside for Sir George-Étienne Cartier in 1872. In 1873, Delorme was named a "hay commissioner." He also served on the Council of the North-West Territories from 1873 to 1875.
In 1878, he became the Minister of Agriculture for Manitoba. He also served as the president of the executive council. Even after he left politics, Delorme continued to work for important causes. He pushed for a pardon for Louis Riel. He also fought for the land rights of the Métis people.
Pierre Delorme passed away in St. Adolphe, Manitoba in 1912.
