Louis RielLouis Riel, a leader of his people in their resistance against theCanadian government in the Canadian Northwest, is perhaps the mostcontroversial figure in Canadian historiography. His life and deedshave spawned a massive and diverse literature.
He was born in the Red River Settlement (in what is now Manitoba) in1844. A promising student, he was sent to Montreal to train for thepriesthood, but he never graduated. An attempt at training as alawyer ended similarly, and by 1868 Riel was back in the Red Riverarea. Ambitious, well educated and bilingual, Riel quickly emergedas a leader among the Métis of the Red River. In 1869-1870 heheaded a provisional government, which would eventually negotiate theManitoba Act with the Canadian government. The Act establishedManitoba as a province and provided some protection for Frenchlanguage rights.
Riel's leadership in the agitation, especially his decision toexecute a Canadian named Thomas Scott, enraged anti-Catholic andanti-French sentiment in Ontario. Although chosen for a seat in theHouse of Commons on three occasions, he was unable to take his seatin the house. In 1875, Riel's role in the death of Scott resulted inhis exile from Canada. These years in exile would include stays intwo Quebec asylums and the growing belief in Riel that he had areligious mission to lead the Métis people of the Canadiannorthwest.
In 1884, while teaching in Montana at a Jesuit mission, Riel wasasked by a delegation from the community of Métis from thesouth branch of the Saskatchewan river to present their grievances tothe Canadian government. Despite Riel's assistance, the federalgovernment ignored Métis concerns. By March of 1885,Métis patience was exhausted and a provisional government wasdeclared.
Riel was the undisputed spiritual and political head of the short-lived1885 Rebellion. He never carried arms and hindered the work of hismilitary head, Gabriel Dumont. Riel was increasingly influenced byhis belief that he was chosen to lead the Métis people. On May15, shortly after the fall of Batoche, Riel surrendered to Canadianforces and was taken to Regina to stand trial for treason.
At his trial, Riel gave two long speeches which demonstrated hispowerful rhetorical abilities. He personally rejected attempts byhis defence counsel to prove he was not guilty by reason of insanity.On 1 August 1885, a jury of six English-speaking Protestants foundRiel guilty but recommended mercy. Judge Hugh Richardson sentencedhim to death. Attempted appeals were dismissed and a specialre-examination of Riel's mental state by government appointed doctorsfound him sane. He was hanged in Regina on 16 November, 1885. Hisexecution was widely opposed in Quebec and had lasting politicalramifications.
