In 1885, the Council of the Provisional government tried Nolin, along with William Boyer. They were put on trial for their actions in the North-West Resistance which were deemed to have been acting against the cause. However, Nolin and Boyer pledged allegiance and were then acquitted of their charges. Although he was Riel's cousin, Nolin testified against him at his trial. His statements and testimonies during Riel's trial, have been said to have contributed to Riel's sentence of death. Nolin opposed Riel in both 1870, and also in 1885.