Thread:Nexusman501/@comment-37501836-20190201190626/@comment-26485526-20190203012304

LOUIS RIEL

Born in 1844 to a Métis/French Canadian family in the Red River Settlement (now known as Manitoba), Louis Riel was educated in Montréal, first to be a Priest then a lawyer (although he never graduated). In 1868, he returned to the Red River area, becoming a leader for the Métis people in the Northwest, who felt as though their livelihoods were threatened by the arrival of English-speaking Canadians from the East. Riel became leader of the Métis National Committee and fought to protect the status of the Métis people in the Northwest, leading to the Red River Rebellion, and paving the way for Manitoba to join Canadian Confederation in 1870 through The Manitoba Act.

In Ontario however, Riel faced strong opposition and was denounced as the "murderer" of Thomas Scott, prompting Riel to flee to the Montana region of the United States. Riel later returned to Manitoba and was elected to Parliament 3 separate times, but was never able to take his seat in the House of Commons due to the continued opposition as he was expelled from the House. Riel was granted amnesty by the federal government in 1875; however, this was on the condition that Riel be exiled. Shortly after Riel's exile, he suffered a nervous breakdown and spent time in a Montréal hospital and a Quebec mental asylum. Riel later returned to the United States and reintegrated with the Métis in the Montana region and becoming a school teacher.

In 1885, Métis people from the Saskatchewan Valley sought Riel's help to present their issues with the Canadian government. Despite Riel's plea, the government ignored the Métis people's concerns which led to a short rebellion, through which Riel never carried arms, although strongly believed he was chosen to lead the Métis people of the Canadian Northwest.

The Canadian soldiers soon overwhelmed the Métis, Riel surrendered, and was put on trial for High Treason. Against Riel's wishes, his counsel offered a plea of insanity. Riel was convicted of High Treason and hanged in Regina in 1885. Riel's execution led to an outcry in Quebec due to his fight to also protect the French culture in the Northwest, and prompted change in local and national politics.

Today, Louis Riel is regarded as a hero and the founder of Manitoba, and is buried in the Sainte-Boniface Cathedral Cemetery, just across the Red River. There is now a holiday in his honour in Manitoba, celebrated every third Monday of February.

(Sources: https://livelearn.ca/article/about-canada/5-facts-about-manitobas-founder-louis-riel/; and The Canadian Encyclopedia)