Louis Riel was a Metis leader and founder of Manitoba. Riel led the Red River and the Northwest Resistance, much like his Father who organized a resistance against the Hudson Bay Company. Riel was born October 22 1844 in Saint Boniface, Red River Settlement and named after his Father. Riel was executed by rope to the neck November 16 1885 in Regina Saskatchewan. Riel left Red River at a young age to study in Quebec. At 14 Riel was a top student and given a scholarship. Riel had a passion for poetry. Riel was quickly engaged to a Metis Woman named Marie-Julie Guernon. But the engagement was ended when her parents didn't let then get married.
Riel led two popular Metis governments and was central in bringing Manitoba into confederation. Riel was executed for high treason for his role in the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Metis land. Riel was initially dismissed as a rebel by Canadians. Although many now sympathize with Riel as a great Metis leader who fought to protect his people from the Canadian government. Riel formed a congress to protect the land, people and culture from Canadian settlers. He was elected President of the congress and helped right a bill of rights and negotiated with Ottawa to become part of Canada. Ontario sent a Scottish militia and the Metis captured them and they court martialed Thomas Scott and executed him. Ontario wanted Riel hanged for this. Eventually he had to leave Canada. In the US he got married, had two kids and became a school teacher.
Canada broke their promises to the Metis and most Metis moved to Saskatchewan. There they asked Riel to come back and do the same things again. This time Ottawa sent the Northwest Mounted Police and they fought with the Metis for 2 months. They captures many Metis and so Riel surrendered for his people and Ottawa executed him for treason.
Riel is a hero because he fought for Metis People, their rights and freedoms and land. Riel inspires First Nations, Metis and Inuit people today to stand up for themselves and other peoples rights and freedoms.
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