The Legend of Louis Riel 

According to the World Book Encyclopedia, Louis Riel lived between 1844-1885, in what is now known as Manitoba, Canada.  He led uprisings against the Canadian Government in 1869-1870 and 1885.  He led protesting Metis, (people of mixed white and First Nation ancestry), who feared the land they had settled would be taken over by new settlers. In a nutshell, he was a popular leader of the Metis people, who was also hated by the Canadian Government.  He escaped Manitoba after the first uprising. Later, he was elected to the House of Commons, but was denied his seat.  He suffered a mental break-down and later became an American citizen.  He returned to Manitoba to start a second uprising which ended in his surrender, trial for treason and execution.

This true story has many levels of meaning for me. First of all, it is about a man who was willing to risk everything for what he believed in.   It is also a story about the relativity of good and evil.  For the  Canadian government, Riel was viewed as a sinner; his actions judged as treasonous.  To the Metis people, however, he was seen as a hero and a saint, a view held to this day.

It saddens me that most history books take a very one-sided view of what happened in the past.  It has influenced the thinking of many people for generations.  Even to this day, there is objection from many people (particularly white people) of the naming of the long weekend Monday in February, in Manitoba, as Louis Riel Day.  This,  despite the fact that our First Nations people DID lose their land, as well as their culture and their dignity.

Personally.  I think it is a story of choosing what seems right to you, no matter what the cost.  I think it reflects what this website is all about as well.  There will be readers who won’t necessarily agree with everything we present here.  However, if it rings true for us, this is ultimately all that matters.  I think the life of Louis Riel WAS the life of a hero and I am proud to share my Manitoban connection with him.

In Spirit

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