Thoughtful consideration has been taken to ensure we pay respect to Indigenous peoples in our resources, �with Truth and Reconciliation as our mission.

Who is Louis Riel?

• Louis Riel was born October 22, 1844, in the Red River Settlement (present day Manitoba). His father was a fur trader and farmer. He was the oldest of 11 children.
• Louis Riel was of mixed heritage with French, Métis and First Nation ancestry.
• Louis Riel was brought up by a Roman Catholic family and was a devout Catholic his entire life.
• Louis Riel began his journey into activism at a young age and co-founded a student newspaper and organized protests against his school’s strict disciplinary policies.

Louis Riel Growing Up

• Louis Riel attended the College de Montreal.

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• After returning from college, he became a teacher.
• Louis Riel married Marguerite Monet and had three children.

Louis Riel’s Fight for Métis Rights �and the Red River Resistance

• Louis Riel led a resistance of Métis and First Nations people against the Canadian governments encroachment on their lands. This is known as the Red River Rebellion or Red River Resistance, and it occurred in the late 1800’s.
• Because of this resistance, Louis Riel was exiled and lived in the United States for several years.
• The Manitoba Act was a result of the Red River Resistance and helped to establish the province of Manitoba as a self-governing entity. It recognized the Métis land rights and provided them with representation in the government.

The North-West Resistance

• In 1885, the Métis people led the North-West Resistance against government policies and treatment of Indigenous lands.
• This resistance took place in Saskatchewan after Métis people were not happy with their settlements being displaced.
• Louis Riel was the main leader of the Métis people during this resistance.
• The resistance ended in battles between the Métis people and the Canadian government’s militia – and it ended on May 12, 1885, with the execution of Louis Riel who had been arrested for high treason.

What Did Louis Riel Fight For?

• Louis Riel fought for recognition of Indigenous land rights.
• Louis Riel fought to promote Indigenous languages and culture and advocated for preserving Indigenous languages. He recognized language as an important piece of sovereignty.
• Louis Riel advocated for education and believed that Indigenous people deserved a good education.
• Louis Riel promoted non-violent resistance.

The After Effects

• Louis Riel was executed for high treason in November of 1885.
• Today, we celebrate Louis Riel Day to honour Riel’s impact on Canadian history and his fight for Indigenous rights. Louis Riel Day began in 2007, when the government of Manitoba declared the third Monday of February as Louis Riel Day.
• The government has since apologized for its role in the execution of Louis Riel and the violence and rights infringement of the Métis people.
• Louis Riel Day is a day to help us highlight the struggles that Indigenous people have had and continue to have.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think Louis Riel was charged with high treason?
• Do you see any parallels with Indigenous people fighting about how the land is treated today?
• Why do you think Louis Riel was and is so important to Métis people?