1. The Métis: The Métis were a distinct cultural and ethnic group that had evolved in the Red River area (present-day Manitoba, Canada). They were of mixed French and Indigenous ancestry and had their own language, culture, and way of life.
2. The English settlers: A significant portion of the population in the Red River area consisted of English-speaking settlers who had come from various parts of Canada, the United States, and Europe. They brought their own cultural and economic interests and had different perspectives on landownership, governance, and relations with Indigenous communities.
3. The Indigenous Peoples: Various Indigenous nations and tribes, including the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Dakota (Sioux), and Cree, had long-standing historical ties to the Red River region and had their own political and cultural systems.
4. The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC): The HBC, a powerful trading company, had a dominant economic and political influence in the region. It played a role in the administration and governance of the Red River settlement and controlled much of the fur trade.
5. Canadian Government Representatives: Representatives of the Canadian government, including the newly formed Dominion of Canada, were involved in negotiations with the Métis and other groups during the rebellion. The Canadian government sought to establish its authority over the region and assert its dominance.