Louis Riel: Historical Hero
Louis Riel: Historical Hero
Louis Riel is a well-known figure in Canadian history. Through his acts as a leader, despite his political mistakes, I believe he should be remembered as a Canadian hero. Riel, being well-educated and bilingual, would eventually emerge as a strong advocate for Metis rights in Red River. Riel practiced as a lawyer in Montreal, but returned to his home of Red River in the face of Rupert’s Land being purchased by Canada from the Hudson’s Bay Company (Histori). His home, Red River Colony, was a part of Rupert’s land and many Metis people were afraid of losing control of their homeland. He would rally the French-speaking Metis and the English-speaking half-natives together to protect their interests from the conflicting …show more content…
He was discharged in 1876. Riel became an American citizen in 1883, and in June of the following year he would be called upon in favour of returning to Canada. When Riel returned to St. Laurent he began recruiting drafting Metis and Native people from nearby reserves after a plea and petition to Ottawa failed (Stanley). This band of arms did eventually defeat a small force of mounted police sent west by the government. Fighting after this would last all but two months, known as the North-West Rebellion. Following defeat, Riel surrendered to General Middleton and would be taken to court for treason. His lawyers attempted defences of insanity, which Riel rejected, as he believed the defence of the Metis people was his duty (Manitoba Historical Society). Riel was convicted of treason for leading rebellions against Canada, and was sentenced to hanging November 16, 1885 (Rabson). Through Riel’s trials of mental instability and forthcoming battle, he remained strong and dedicated to his people. Returning to the nation that would eventually kill him, Riel showed that his heart rested in Rupert’s Land, and he wanted nothing but to protect his people’s language, religion and culture. For his bravery and unyielding effort over the course of a decade, I believe Louis Riel is a hero to Canadian culture and its
Louis Riel is a well-known figure in Canadian history. Through his acts as a leader, despite his political mistakes, I believe he should be remembered as a Canadian hero. Riel, being well-educated and bilingual, would eventually emerge as a strong advocate for Metis rights in Red River. Riel practiced as a lawyer in Montreal, but returned to his home of Red River in the face of Rupert’s Land being purchased by Canada from the Hudson’s Bay Company (Histori). His home, Red River Colony, was a part of Rupert’s land and many Metis people were afraid of losing control of their homeland. He would rally the French-speaking Metis and the English-speaking half-natives together to protect their interests from the conflicting …show more content…
He was discharged in 1876. Riel became an American citizen in 1883, and in June of the following year he would be called upon in favour of returning to Canada. When Riel returned to St. Laurent he began recruiting drafting Metis and Native people from nearby reserves after a plea and petition to Ottawa failed (Stanley). This band of arms did eventually defeat a small force of mounted police sent west by the government. Fighting after this would last all but two months, known as the North-West Rebellion. Following defeat, Riel surrendered to General Middleton and would be taken to court for treason. His lawyers attempted defences of insanity, which Riel rejected, as he believed the defence of the Metis people was his duty (Manitoba Historical Society). Riel was convicted of treason for leading rebellions against Canada, and was sentenced to hanging November 16, 1885 (Rabson). Through Riel’s trials of mental instability and forthcoming battle, he remained strong and dedicated to his people. Returning to the nation that would eventually kill him, Riel showed that his heart rested in Rupert’s Land, and he wanted nothing but to protect his people’s language, religion and culture. For his bravery and unyielding effort over the course of a decade, I believe Louis Riel is a hero to Canadian culture and its