Louis Riel
Louis David Riel (22 October 1844 – 16 November 1885, pronounced /ˈluːi riːˈɛl/ (Loo-E Ree-L) in English) was a Canadian politician. He founded the province of Manitoba and was a leader of the Métis people of the Canadian prairies.[1] He led two resistance movements against the Canadian government and its first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald.
Louis David Riel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of Parliament for Provencher | |
| Preceded by | George-Étienne Cartier |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Bannatyne |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 October 1844 Red River Colony, Rupert's Land |
| Died | 16 November 1885 (aged 41) Regina, District of Assiniboia |
| Spouse(s) | Marguerite Monet dit Bellehumeur (1881–1885) |
| Children | Jean-Louis, Marie-Angélique |
| Parents | Louis Riel Sr. Julie Lagimodière |
| Occupation | Politician |
Riel tried to preserve Métis rights and culture. He is regarded by many as a Canadian folk hero today.
Until recently, Riel was regarded as an outlaw. During a battle against the Canadian government his people took prisoners.
One of these prisoners was a man named Thomas Scott. Scott would often be resistant and disrespectful of his captors. When Scott assaulted one of Riel's men, Riel had enough...
He was put on trial to a jury containing several of Riel's most trusted men (including Elzéar Goulet, a Métis leader who supported Riel.) The court found Scott annoying, and he was sentenced to death for being mean, by a firing squad.
The English speaking people of Ontario considered this murder and a war party called the Wolsely Expedition was sent to put his rebellion down. This, eventually led to his capture. Riel was hung in Regina due to his involvement in the resistance against the Canadian government.
References
- "Louis Riel". A database of materials held by the University of Saskatchewan Libraries and the University Archives. Archived from the original on 2012-02-21. Retrieved 2007-09-23.