Louis Riel: Father of Confederation or Traitor?

 

Born: 1844 - Red River Colony, Rupert’s Land

Died: 1885 - Regina, N.W.T., Canada

 

• Canadian politician, a founder of Manitoba, and Metis leader.
• He led two resistance movements against the Canadian government.
• He wanted to preserve Métis rights / culture in the Northwest.

1^st resistance was the Red River Rebellion of 1869–1870. The provisional government established by Riel negotiated the terms under which Manitoba entered Confederation.

Riel fled to the U.S. as a result of the controversial execution of Thomas Scott(firing squad) during the rebellion.
He is frequently referred to as the "Father of Manitoba."

While a fugitive, he was elected three times to the Canadian House of Commons. He never took office. He remained in exile for 15 years.
He became an American citizen and married in 1881 in Montana fathering 2 kids.

Riel returned to represent Métis grievances to the Canadian government. This 2^nd resistance escalated into a military confrontation (North-West Rebellion of 1885).
It ended in his arrest, trial & eventual execution on a charge of high treason.

French regions sympathized with Riel. His execution highlighted differences between French & English Canada. He remains a controversial & tragic figure in our history.