Louis Riel
Who was Louis Riel?
Who was Louis Riel?
The most controversial figure in Canadian History
Louis Riel (1844-1885) was a leader of the Métis, the founder of Manitoba, and a passionate defender of Métis rights as people started settling west.
Louis Riel (1844-1885) was a leader of the Métis, the founder of Manitoba, and a passionate defender of Métis rights as people started settling west.
He sought to preserve Métis rights and culture against Canadian colonization.
He sought to preserve Métis rights and culture against Canadian colonization.
He led two resistance movements—the Red River Resistance in Manitoba, 1869-70 and the 1885 Northwest Resistance in Saskatchewan at Batoche—against the government of Canada.
He led two resistance movements—the Red River Resistance in Manitoba, 1869-70 and the 1885 Northwest Resistance in Saskatchewan at Batoche—against the government of Canada.
He was hanged for treason in 1885. However, the Métis see his execution as judicial murder. In 1992, Parliament passed a resolution recognizing Riel as the founder of Manitoba.
Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada (2018)He was hanged for treason in 1885. However, the Métis see his execution as judicial murder. In 1992, Parliament passed a resolution recognizing Riel as the founder of Manitoba.
Who Are the Metis?
Who Are the Metis?
The Métis Nation is comprised of descendants of people born of relations between Indian women and European men (mostly French and Scottish). The initial offspring of these unions were of mixed ancestry. The beginning of a new Aboriginal people called the Métis resulted from the intermarriage of these mixed ancestry individuals.
The Métis Nation is comprised of descendants of people born of relations between Indian women and European men (mostly French and Scottish). The initial offspring of these unions were of mixed ancestry. The beginning of a new Aboriginal people called the Métis resulted from the intermarriage of these mixed ancestry individuals.
Recap & Timeline
Recap & Timeline
1850
1850
The U.S. passes the Fugitive Slave Act, resulting in a large number of Black people migrating to British North America. They used the Underground Railroad to escape slavery. Approximately 30 000 to 40 000 Black people came to British North America along the Underground Railroad
The U.S. passes the Fugitive Slave Act, resulting in a large number of Black people migrating to British North America. They used the Underground Railroad to escape slavery. Approximately 30 000 to 40 000 Black people came to British North America along the Underground Railroad
1867
1867
Three colonies join together under Confederation to form the Dominion of Canada. John A. MacDonald was appointed prime minister on July 1, 1867. He wanted to encourage settlement in the West and in order to do this it was important to build a railway connecting BC to the eastern provinces. The government also wanted a way to settle the prairie land where First Nations lived.
Three colonies join together under Confederation to form the Dominion of Canada. John A. MacDonald was appointed prime minister on July 1, 1867. He wanted to encourage settlement in the West and in order to do this it was important to build a railway connecting BC to the eastern provinces. The government also wanted a way to settle the prairie land where First Nations lived.
1868
1868
Hudson's Bay Company was preparing to sell Rupert's Land to the British government. The British government would then sell the land to Canada, and the territory would become a colony under the control of the Canadian government. The sale, however, did not involve any consultation with the First Nations and Métis who lived there.
Hudson's Bay Company was preparing to sell Rupert's Land to the British government. The British government would then sell the land to Canada, and the territory would become a colony under the control of the Canadian government. The sale, however, did not involve any consultation with the First Nations and Métis who lived there.
Let's break this down a bit...
Let's break this down a bit...
Images are from 'Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography' by Chester Brown (2017)
L A N D R I G H T S
L A N D R I G H T S
As a part of the sale of Rupert's Land, the new Canadian government promised to uphold British laws and recognize Aboriginal land titles. These land titles are the legal Aboriginal right to land or a territory recognized by the Canadian government. However, the government did not recognize the Métis as having the same land rights as First Nations. The government's position was that any land agreements it made with First Nations didn't apply to the Métis.
As a part of the sale of Rupert's Land, the new Canadian government promised to uphold British laws and recognize Aboriginal land titles. These land titles are the legal Aboriginal right to land or a territory recognized by the Canadian government. However, the government did not recognize the Métis as having the same land rights as First Nations. The government's position was that any land agreements it made with First Nations didn't apply to the Métis.
Back to our timeline..
Back to our timeline..
1869
1869
R E D R I V E R R E B E L L I O N
R E D R I V E R R E B E L L I O N
Canadian land surveyors show up unannounced on Métis land, to map out square lots to be granted as private property to new settlers. The surveyors did not ask the Métis for permission to enter their land. Riel, and about a dozen other Métis armed themselves with weapons and drove the surveyors away. As a result, the Métis started to organize themselves. This conflict between the Métis and the Canadian government around the sale of Rupert's Land is known as the Red River Resistance.
Canadian land surveyors show up unannounced on Métis land, to map out square lots to be granted as private property to new settlers. The surveyors did not ask the Métis for permission to enter their land. Riel, and about a dozen other Métis armed themselves with weapons and drove the surveyors away. As a result, the Métis started to organize themselves. This conflict between the Métis and the Canadian government around the sale of Rupert's Land is known as the Red River Resistance.
M E A N W H I L E . . .
M E A N W H I L E . . .
The Canadian government had chosen William McDougall of Ontario to be the first lieutenant-governor of the Northwest. Why might the Canadian government appoint someone from Ontario rather than the Northwest to be the lieutenant-governor?
The Canadian government had chosen William McDougall of Ontario to be the first lieutenant-governor of the Northwest. Why might the Canadian government appoint someone from Ontario rather than the Northwest to be the lieutenant-governor?
McDougall never arrived in Red River. Riel with the support of the Métis community forcefully stopped McDougall from crossing the border and entering the area. That same day, a group of Métis from the Métis National Committee occupied Fort Garry. The Métis now controlled Red River, which delayed the transfer of Rupert's Land to the Canadian government. This meant that the Canadian government had no legal authority in the Northwest.
McDougall never arrived in Red River. Riel with the support of the Métis community forcefully stopped McDougall from crossing the border and entering the area. That same day, a group of Métis from the Métis National Committee occupied Fort Garry. The Métis now controlled Red River, which delayed the transfer of Rupert's Land to the Canadian government. This meant that the Canadian government had no legal authority in the Northwest.
P R O V I S I O N A L G O V E R N M E N T
P R O V I S I O N A L G O V E R N M E N T
This 1869 photo shows Louis Riel (center), surrounded by other members of the provisional government. What does this photo reveal about Riel's significance?
The Métis established their own provisional government, or temporary government, to negotiate with the Canadian government in December 1869. Riel took steps to prevent McDougall from creating an exclusively English and Protestant territory. The provisional government included French-speaking Métis and English-speaking Protestant residents of Red River. They wrote a bill of rights outlining its terms for joining Canada as a new province.
The Métis established their own provisional government, or temporary government, to negotiate with the Canadian government in December 1869. Riel took steps to prevent McDougall from creating an exclusively English and Protestant territory. The provisional government included French-speaking Métis and English-speaking Protestant residents of Red River. They wrote a bill of rights outlining its terms for joining Canada as a new province.
Métis Bill of Rights, 1869
Métis Bill of Rights, 1869
1. The right to elect our Legislature.
1. The right to elect our Legislature.
2. The Legislature to have power to pass all laws, local to the Territory, over the veto of the Executive, by a two-third vote.
2. The Legislature to have power to pass all laws, local to the Territory, over the veto of the Executive, by a two-third vote.
10. That the English and French languages be common in the Legislature and Council, and all public documents and acts of Legislature be published in both languages
10. That the English and French languages be common in the Legislature and Council, and all public documents and acts of Legislature be published in both languages
13. That we have a full and fair representation in the Dominion Parliament.
13. That we have a full and fair representation in the Dominion Parliament.
Why was the provisional government focused on fair representation and language issues?
Why was the provisional government focused on fair representation and language issues?
T H E C A N A D I A N P A R T Y & T H E E X E C U T I O N O F T H O M A S S C O T T
T H E C A N A D I A N P A R T Y & T H E E X E C U T I O N O F T H O M A S S C O T T
A group of Red River settlers calling themselves the Canadian Party attempted to overthrow Riel's provisional government.
A group of Red River settlers calling themselves the Canadian Party attempted to overthrow Riel's provisional government.
The Métis captured about 50 members of the Canadian Party and imprisoned them in Fort Garry.
The Métis captured about 50 members of the Canadian Party and imprisoned them in Fort Garry.
Thomas Scott, a prominent Protestant of the Orangemen, was one of the men captured in a second uprising in February 1870. He was a difficult prisoner, often insulting his Métis guards.
Thomas Scott, a prominent Protestant of the Orangemen, was one of the men captured in a second uprising in February 1870. He was a difficult prisoner, often insulting his Métis guards.
Pressured by angry Métis, Riel held a court to try Scott for contempt, or disobedience, of the provisional government.
Pressured by angry Métis, Riel held a court to try Scott for contempt, or disobedience, of the provisional government.
Scott was found guilty and executed in March 1870.
Scott was found guilty and executed in March 1870.
Riel justifies executing Scott in this quote from March 1870 where he explains, "We must make Canada respect us."
Riel justifies executing Scott in this quote from March 1870 where he explains, "We must make Canada respect us."
What does this statement tell you about Riel and his position in Canada?
What does this statement tell you about Riel and his position in Canada?
1870
1870
T H E M A N I T O B A A C T
T H E M A N I T O B A A C T
After months of conflict, negotiations began between Riel's provisional government and the Canadian government. The provisional government wanted to make sure that Manitoba became a province. Provinces are self-governing, while territories have governments appointed by the Canadian government in Ottawa. The Canadian government passed the Manitoba Act on May 12, 1870. MacDonald proposed the Manitoba Act as a compromise to please the Métis and French Canadians as well as the English Protestants in Red River and the rest of Canada.
After months of conflict, negotiations began between Riel's provisional government and the Canadian government. The provisional government wanted to make sure that Manitoba became a province. Provinces are self-governing, while territories have governments appointed by the Canadian government in Ottawa. The Canadian government passed the Manitoba Act on May 12, 1870. MacDonald proposed the Manitoba Act as a compromise to please the Métis and French Canadians as well as the English Protestants in Red River and the rest of Canada.
T H E M A N I T O B A A C T officially created Manitoba as a province.
T H E M A N I T O B A A C T officially created Manitoba as a province.
The rest of the North-Western Territory and Rupert's Land was renamed the North-West Territories.
The rest of the North-Western Territory and Rupert's Land was renamed the North-West Territories.
The area remained under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
The area remained under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
The Act also accepted most of the Métis terms from the bill of rights.
The Act also accepted most of the Métis terms from the bill of rights.
Métis religious and language rights were guaranteed.
Métis religious and language rights were guaranteed.
Over 5000 square kilometers of land, including present-day Winnipeg, were to be set aside for the Métis.
Over 5000 square kilometers of land, including present-day Winnipeg, were to be set aside for the Métis.
However, the Métis inhabitants had to apply for title to their own properties and register their legal ownership of the land.
However, the Métis inhabitants had to apply for title to their own properties and register their legal ownership of the land.
T H E R E D R I V E R E X P E D I T I O N
T H E R E D R I V E R E X P E D I T I O N
This 1877 painting by Frances Anne Hopkins, entitled The Red River Expedition at Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, shows the Canadian military force on its way to Red River in 1870
The passing of the Manitoba Act didn't soothe the tension and conflict. Many white bred English Protestants in Ontario were furious about the execution of Thomas Scott.
The passing of the Manitoba Act didn't soothe the tension and conflict. Many white bred English Protestants in Ontario were furious about the execution of Thomas Scott.
John A. MacDonald sent an army to secure Red River, claiming it was to provide protection from Americans looking to take Manitoba. This force was known as the Red River Expedition, and it was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Garnet Wolseley.
John A. MacDonald sent an army to secure Red River, claiming it was to provide protection from Americans looking to take Manitoba. This force was known as the Red River Expedition, and it was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Garnet Wolseley.
Wolseley's troops left Toronto in late May 1870 and arrived in Fort Garry at the end of August. It took four months for the more than 1200 troops to reach Red River using the unfinished Dawson Road.
Wolseley's troops left Toronto in late May 1870 and arrived in Fort Garry at the end of August. It took four months for the more than 1200 troops to reach Red River using the unfinished Dawson Road.
How might the Métis in Red River view this expedition?
How might the Métis in Red River view this expedition?
The expedition arrived to find Fort Garry deserted.
The expedition arrived to find Fort Garry deserted.
Riel had heard rumours that the troops planned to kill him or take him to be prosecuted in courts in retaliation for Scott's execution.
Riel had heard rumours that the troops planned to kill him or take him to be prosecuted in courts in retaliation for Scott's execution.
By the time the expedition reached Red River, Riel had fled in voluntary exile to the United States.
By the time the expedition reached Red River, Riel had fled in voluntary exile to the United States.
T H E M É T I S L E A V E M A N I T O B A
T H E M É T I S L E A V E M A N I T O B A
Within months, settlers from eastern Canada quickly moved in and took over much of the land that had been inhabited by the Métis.
Within months, settlers from eastern Canada quickly moved in and took over much of the land that had been inhabited by the Métis.
To fulfill the land requirements of the Manitoba Act, the government issued scrip (coupons) to the Métis. Scrip could be exchanged for land or money. For example, scrip, such as the certificate shown below could be valued at $160 or 160 acres of land title.
To fulfill the land requirements of the Manitoba Act, the government issued scrip (coupons) to the Métis. Scrip could be exchanged for land or money. For example, scrip, such as the certificate shown below could be valued at $160 or 160 acres of land title.
The Métis who had already settled in the area didn't have any advantage over new settlers.
The Métis who had already settled in the area didn't have any advantage over new settlers.
Their land claim requests were delayed while new settlers received title to their land soon after they applied for it. By the time the Métis applications were reviewed, much of the land had already been given away.
Their land claim requests were delayed while new settlers received title to their land soon after they applied for it. By the time the Métis applications were reviewed, much of the land had already been given away.
The arrival of immigrants from Ontario also brought a cultural change to Manitoba. Settlers from Ontario soon dominated the new province. Amendments to the Manitoba Act were introduced that made land ownership harder for the Métis to obtain.
The arrival of immigrants from Ontario also brought a cultural change to Manitoba. Settlers from Ontario soon dominated the new province. Amendments to the Manitoba Act were introduced that made land ownership harder for the Métis to obtain.
By 1880, almost all of the Métis had decided to give up their land claims and move out of the province. Many headed west to present-day Saskatchewan.
By 1880, almost all of the Métis had decided to give up their land claims and move out of the province. Many headed west to present-day Saskatchewan.
1870-1874
1870-1874
Riel spends the majority of these years in exile in the United States, fearing for his life.
Riel spends the majority of these years in exile in the United States, fearing for his life.
He's paid off by John A. MacDonald to stay in exile in order to keep tensions between the French and English down.
He's paid off by John A. MacDonald to stay in exile in order to keep tensions between the French and English down.
After only four months of exile, Louis Riel is convinced by French Manitoba to enter federal politics. He ends up getting elected in 1873 and 1874.
After only four months of exile, Louis Riel is convinced by French Manitoba to enter federal politics. He ends up getting elected in 1873 and 1874.
In Ontario, Riel was seen as the "murderer" of Thomas Scott and a $5000 reward was offered for his arrest.
In Ontario, Riel was seen as the "murderer" of Thomas Scott and a $5000 reward was offered for his arrest.
In Quebec, Riel was seen as a hero, and a defender of the Roman Catholic faith and French culture in Manitoba.
In Quebec, Riel was seen as a hero, and a defender of the Roman Catholic faith and French culture in Manitoba.
John A. MacDonald—to preserve his leadership and attempt to keep the peace—tried to persuade Louis Riel to remain in voluntary exile by giving him a cash payout.
John A. MacDonald—to preserve his leadership and attempt to keep the peace—tried to persuade Louis Riel to remain in voluntary exile by giving him a cash payout.
