Louis Riel and His Contributions to Human Rights

Louis Riel

And his Contribution to Human Rights

Louis Riel was born on Oct. 22, 1844. He led 2 uprisings against the Canadian Government in 1869 – 1870, and another in 1885.

His first rebellion took place after the Canadian Government bought land off the Hudson Bay Company in what is now Manitoba. The Métis feared the loss of their land. However, Riel had protested in vain. The Government had quelled the rebellion in 1870. Although the government had won, they set aside land for the Métis, which is now present day Manitoba.

3 years later in 1873 - 1874, he was elected into the Canadian House of Commons, but he was denied his seat. The next year, he suffered mental breakdowns and was sent to an insane asylum for 2 years in 1876 – 1878. Riel moved to Montana and became a United States citizen in 1883.

By 1884, Hundreds of Métis moved to what is now known as Saskatchewan. They believed the whites would take their land, however bad news travels fast for Riel had now returned to lead the Métis in the final battle for their land. They requested help from their Aboriginal and Inuit brothers. The fight broke out in 1885. The Allied forces put up a great fight, but it was not enough. Government troops had defeated the army lead by Riel.

Riel was convicted for treason and was hung on Nov. 16 of 1885.

Although Riel’s death caused major tension between the two races, in 1992, the Parliament of Canada realized the important role he played in the creation of what is now Manitoba, and in over the years, the bringing together of the Métis and the French – Canadian government.