The attack on Frog Lake occurred amidst escalating tensions between Indigenous peoples and European settlers in Canada. This confrontation was part of a complex backdrop of dissatisfaction among various Indigenous groups regarding the treatment they received from the Canadian government, particularly relating to treaty rights and land encroachments. The Cree warriors, influenced by both local grievances and the broader Métis resistance movement, sought to assert their rights and respond to perceived injustices. Frog Lake, located in Saskatchewan, was the site of this specific attack, which resulted in the deaths of nine settlers, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between Indigenous peoples and the colonial state.

The atmosphere leading to this event was charged with conflict, as the Cree were motivated by their struggles over land and livelihood, especially as they faced the encroachment of settlers and the subsequent challenges it posed to their way of life. After the attack, the tensions would only escalate further, contributing to the larger conflict known as the North-West Rebellion, which involved multiple Indigenous groups and the Métis in an armed struggle against government forces. The Frogs Lake incident thus not only intensified local hostilities but also served as a catalyst for wider involvement in a violent confrontation that would shape Canadian history.

The repercussions of the attack reached beyond immediate violence, affecting relationships between Indigenous groups and settlers. The Canadian government responded with military action, seeking to quash the rebellion and restore order. This event showcased the mounting struggles for land and recognition from Indigenous groups, which laid the groundwork for future advocacy for Indigenous rights in Canada. Overall, the attack was integral to the unfolding narrative of resistance against colonial encroachment and had lasting implications for Indigenous policies in the region.