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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. Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada (2018)
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
mages are from 'Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography' by Chester Brown (2017)
What does it tell you about settlement and community in the Northwest at this time?
In 1868, the Canadian government began work on Dawson Road. This new, 120-kilometre road would link Fort Garry, located in present-day Winnipeg, with an existing route to present-day Thunder Bay, Ontario. Why would the government find it important to create this long stretch of road?
TASK: Learn more about Metis culture by completing the task #1.
TASK: Learn more about Metis culture by completing the task #1.
The Sale of Rupert’s Land
The Sale of Rupert’s Land
Rupert’s Land was in the Northwest region. Rupert’s Land included a large portion of present-day southern Alberta, most of Saskatchewan, all of Manitoba, northern Ontario, the northwest half of Québec, and Nunavut. In total, it covered about one-third of Canada’s geographic area today. Rupert’s Land was controlled by Hudson’s Bay Company. In 1868, Hudson’s Bay Company was preparing to sell Rupert’s Land to the British government. The British government would then turn over 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.
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.
Métis Scrip:
Métis Scrip:
Under the Manitoba Act, over 5000 square kilometres of land were to be set aside for the Métis. The Canadian government did this to extinguish the Métis’ Aboriginal title to their land, so that their land could be sold or given to settlers. In negotiating with the Métis to acquire their land, the government admitted that the Métis did have Aboriginal title. However, the way that the government got the Métis to give up their land was different from the way used with First Nations and was less advantageous.
Under the Manitoba Act, over 5000 square kilometres of land were to be set aside for the Métis. The Canadian government did this to extinguish the Métis’ Aboriginal title to their land, so that their land could be sold or given to settlers. In negotiating with the Métis to acquire their land, the government admitted that the Métis did have Aboriginal title. However, the way that the government got the Métis to give up their land was different from the way used with First Nations and was less advantageous.
TASK: Learn more about the Metis loss of land and buffalo by completing task #2.
TASK: Learn more about the Metis loss of land and buffalo by completing task #2.
Riel and the Red River Resistance
Riel and 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.
TASK: Learn more about the many different perspectives of Canadians during that time by completing task #3.
TASK: Learn more about the many different perspectives of Canadians during that time by completing task #3.
THE CANADIAN PARTY & THE EXECUTION O F THOMAS SCOTT
THE CANADIAN PARTY & THE EXECUTION O F THOMAS SCOTT
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 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.
1875
1875
In February of 1875, the federal government grants amnesty to Riel on the condition that he spend five years of banishment from "Her Majesty's Dominions."
In February of 1875, the federal government grants amnesty to Riel on the condition that he spend five years of banishment from "Her Majesty's Dominions."
The question of whether or not Riel had broken either British or Canadian law for his part in the Red River Resistance was never determined in court (see Wilfrid Laurier: Speech in Defence of Louis Riel, 1874).
The question of whether or not Riel had broken either British or Canadian law for his part in the Red River Resistance was never determined in court (see Wilfrid Laurier: Speech in Defence of Louis Riel, 1874).
Shortly after his exile, Riel suffers a nervous breakdown and his friends secretly admit him to hospital, against his own wishes, in Montreal. He later transfers to the mental asylum at Beauport, Quebec.
Shortly after his exile, Riel suffers a nervous breakdown and his friends secretly admit him to hospital, against his own wishes, in Montreal. He later transfers to the mental asylum at Beauport, Quebec.
How would you feel if you were Louis Riel at this point?
How would you feel if you were Louis Riel at this point?
The fight for the rights of your people was largely unsuccessful, and despite your resistance and negotiations to join Canada, your people are still displaced and disregarded
You're responsible for someone's death and people want you dead for it—in fact you almost get killed on more than one occasion
The Prime Minister first pays you to go away, and second grants you a pardon only if you go away again
While in exile, Riel—a devout Catholic—became increasingly obsessed with his role in the Church. He understood himself as the divinely chosen leader of the Métis people.
While in exile, Riel—a devout Catholic—became increasingly obsessed with his role in the Church. He understood himself as the divinely chosen leader of the Métis people.
In 'Louis Riel: A Comic Strip Biography' by Chester Brown, the moment of his spiritual realization is depicted as follows:
In 'Louis Riel: A Comic Strip Biography' by Chester Brown, the moment of his spiritual realization is depicted as follows:
In addition to that, he became violent, leading to outbursts that would lead his friends to involuntarily commit him to hospitals to be treated for his mental illnesses. Despite his continuous devotion to his religion, Riel would disrupt religious services, spend hours of the day in prayer, and regularly see himself re-committed to hospitals for treatment.
1879- 1883
1879- 1883
Riel moves to Montana, reintegrates himself with the Métis, joins the Republican Party, becomes an American citizen, and marries a Métis woman, Marguerite Monet, dit Bellehumeur. In 1883, he also becomes a schoolteacher at Saint Peter's Mission, located on the Sun River.
Riel moves to Montana, reintegrates himself with the Métis, joins the Republican Party, becomes an American citizen, and marries a Métis woman, Marguerite Monet, dit Bellehumeur. In 1883, he also becomes a schoolteacher at Saint Peter's Mission, located on the Sun River.
1884
1884
Meanwhile in Canada, the Métis were still waiting for the federal government to issue their land grants. Their petitions were going unanswered. Frustrated and tired of waiting, many Métis left Manitoba and moved to Saskatchewan. They wanted to join pre-existing Métis communities. White English-speaking protestants were also moving into the area.
Meanwhile in Canada, the Métis were still waiting for the federal government to issue their land grants. Their petitions were going unanswered. Frustrated and tired of waiting, many Métis left Manitoba and moved to Saskatchewan. They wanted to join pre-existing Métis communities. White English-speaking protestants were also moving into the area.
In June of 1884, Riel was asked by a group of Métis, who were led by Gabriel Dumont, to help them protect their legal rights in the Saskatchewan valley, since he already had experience in dealing with the Canadians on behalf of the Métis people.
In June of 1884, Riel was asked by a group of Métis, who were led by Gabriel Dumont, to help them protect their legal rights in the Saskatchewan valley, since he already had experience in dealing with the Canadians on behalf of the Métis people.
Riel agreed to help, as long as his family could come along and they'd be able to return to Montana once things were settled in Saskatchewan. They arrived at Batoche in early July.
Riel agreed to help, as long as his family could come along and they'd be able to return to Montana once things were settled in Saskatchewan. They arrived at Batoche in early July.
L A N D D I V I S I O N
L A N D D I V I S I O N
Surveyors come and go, and the Métis are left confused and frustrated; their river lot system is disregarded in favour of square lots. Many are still without land.
Surveyors come and go, and the Métis are left confused and frustrated; their river lot system is disregarded in favour of square lots. Many are still without land.
This is an excerpt from a letter written on May 18, 1884, to Louis Riel from a man identified as N.C.W. He was likely Riel's cousin.
Analyze: Why does N.C.W. refer to the land claims process as a "farce"?
A quote from Riel in February 1885. During this period, the Métis were often reffered to as "half-breeds" since they had mixed First Nations and French or English heritage. Analyze: Based on this quote, what options was Riel considering?
L O U I S R I E L ' S R E T U R N T O C A N A D A
L O U I S R I E L ' S R E T U R N T O C A N A D A
In May 1884, a group of Métis men led by Gabriel Dumont travelled to Montana to meet with Louis Riel.
In May 1884, a group of Métis men led by Gabriel Dumont travelled to Montana to meet with Louis Riel.
They wanted Riel to lead their protest against the federal government.
They wanted Riel to lead their protest against the federal government.
During his exile, Riel had become more religious. He was convinced that this invitation to lead the Métis again was part of God's plan for him.
During his exile, Riel had become more religious. He was convinced that this invitation to lead the Métis again was part of God's plan for him.
Riel and his followers petitioned the federal government in December 1884 to settle both Métis and new settler land claims. The federal government didn't respond until February 1885, when they promised to form a committee to investigate the land claim issue.
Riel and his followers petitioned the federal government in December 1884 to settle both Métis and new settler land claims. The federal government didn't respond until February 1885, when they promised to form a committee to investigate the land claim issue.
To the Métis, this was just another way the government was delaying a settlement.
To the Métis, this was just another way the government was delaying a settlement.
1885
1885
T H E N O R T H W E S T R E S I S T A N C E
T H E N O R T H W E S T R E S I S T A N C E
The Métis group signed a secret oath, and put together another provisional government with Riel as president. Dumont was chosen to lead the militia.
The Métis group signed a secret oath, and put together another provisional government with Riel as president. Dumont was chosen to lead the militia.
After two battles—at Duck Lake and Fish Creek—where the Métis were able to get the federal troops to retreat, the Battle of Batoche is fought. The Métis ran out of ammunition and Louis Riel surrendered himself believing that a public trial might bring attention to the Métis' struggle against the government.
After two battles—at Duck Lake and Fish Creek—where the Métis were able to get the federal troops to retreat, the Battle of Batoche is fought. The Métis ran out of ammunition and Louis Riel surrendered himself believing that a public trial might bring attention to the Métis' struggle against the government.
With the defeat at Batoche and Riel's surrender, the Northwest Resistance was over.
With the defeat at Batoche and Riel's surrender, the Northwest Resistance was over.
In March 1885, Riel and 10 other Métis leaders signed an Oath of Revolution. Analyze: What do Riel and his followers promise to do?
A N E W P R O V I S I O N A L G O V E R N M E N T
A N E W P R O V I S I O N A L G O V E R N M E N T
Riel and Dumont saw how the federal government ignored the Métis, as well as the First Nations and other settlers in the Northwest. They were convinced they needed to take more drastic action.
Riel and Dumont saw how the federal government ignored the Métis, as well as the First Nations and other settlers in the Northwest. They were convinced they needed to take more drastic action.
The group organized an army of 300 men and signed a secret oath. How do you think the federal government would react to seeing this oath?
The group organized an army of 300 men and signed a secret oath. How do you think the federal government would react to seeing this oath?
On March 19, 1885, Riel created a provisional government like the one he had set up in Manitoba in 1870.
On March 19, 1885, Riel created a provisional government like the one he had set up in Manitoba in 1870.
This photo shows government troops arriving at Winnipeg Station in April 1885. Analyze: Based on the details in the photo, what advantages might the troops have had from travelling by train?
The Canadians had a couple Gatling Guns, an early form of machine gun, that the railway enabled them to bring.
The reaction to the rebellion was quick.
The reaction to the rebellion was quick.
Remember that in 1870 it took four months to get to Manitoba
By 1885, the CPR had reached the plains
Within 10 days the first troops had arrived, and within a month over 3000 troops were ready to fight the Métis
Although the Métis forces were far better trained and positioned than the Canadian militia, the Canadian forces were better supplied with arms and ammunition.
Before the Rebellion, the railway was nearly bankrupt
Before the Rebellion, the railway was nearly bankrupt
With the outbreak of the rebellion, parliament gave extra money to the CPR to move the troops
It can be argued that Riel's resistances saved John A. MacDonald's dream of the CPR connecting Canada from coast to coast... and along with the railway came more Protestant settlers
B A T T L E O F B A T O C H E
B A T T L E O F B A T O C H E
The Métis and First Nations militia of less than 300 men faced a government force of over 800.
Seeing the Métis were outnumbered, Dumont wanted to use surprise attacks in the countryside, taking advantage of his knowledge of the land.
Riel refused. He believed that God was on their side and wanted them to fight against their enemy at Batoche.
The battle began on May 9, 1885, with a three-day standoff. After a series of failed attacks, a group of government troops decided to charge the Métis front line. The Métis militia numbered only 50 to 60 men at this point. They soon ran out of ammunition and had to retreat.
On May 15, Riel surrendered. He believed that a public trial might bring attention to the Métis struggle against the government.
Dumont and other escaped to the United States. With the defeat at Batoche and Riel's surrender, the Northwest Resistance was over.
A quote from Riel during his 1885 trial, made in English. Analyze: How does Riel want the jury to judge him?
1885
1885
R I E L ' S T R I A L A N D E X E C U T I O N
R I E L ' S T R I A L A N D E X E C U T I O N
Riel's trial began on July 20, 1885. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of treason.
After a four-day trial with a jury made up entirely of English-speaking Protestants, Riel was found guilty of high treason.
His last chance lay in an appeal to the federal government. Only the federal government could reverse his sentence.
If Prime Minister Macdonald freed Riel, he would offend English Canada. If he punished Riel harshly, he would lose Quebec's support. In the end, Macdonald and his cabinet decided to hang Riel.
Riel was executed on November 16, 1885.
Riel's lawyer's planned to portray Riel as insane so that he couldn't be held accountable for his actions.
Riel's lawyer's planned to portray Riel as insane so that he couldn't be held accountable for his actions.
Riel refused to go along with their strategy.
Riel refused to go along with their strategy.
He felt that if he was declared insane, the Métis cause would not be recognized properly.
He felt that if he was declared insane, the Métis cause would not be recognized properly.
Though his first language was French, Riel spoke English during the trial so the jurors, lawyers, and judge could understand him.
Though his first language was French, Riel spoke English during the trial so the jurors, lawyers, and judge could understand him.
Here is a quote from Riel's closing statement, explaining his reasons for the resistance. Based on this, and his last quote above, which of his actions did he think were the most significant?
Here is a quote from Riel's closing statement, explaining his reasons for the resistance. Based on this, and his last quote above, which of his actions did he think were the most significant?
An excerpt from Riel's closing statement to the judge and jury at his trial in 1885. His closing statement was also made in English. Analyze: What does the statement "my country" imply about the Métis in Canada?
As newspapers across the country expressed opinions on what Riel's sentence should be, many Canadians began to take sides.
As newspapers across the country expressed opinions on what Riel's sentence should be, many Canadians began to take sides.
A quote from May 21, 1885, edition of the Northern Advance newspaper. Analyze: What does the use of the word rebellion rather than resistance reveal about the perspective of the author?
This political cartoon from 1885 by J.W. Bengough shows the different reactions of English and French politicians to Riel's sentence. Macdonald is shown holding Riel in a birdcage. Analyze: What can you infer about the cartoonist's choice to place Riel in a birdcage?
T H E A F T E R M A T H
T H E A F T E R M A T H
For weeks after the trial, the Canadian public debated Riel's death sentence. In Quebec, the politicians stirred up the anger of the French and Catholic population. After Riel was hanged, crowds gathered to protest the federal government's actions.
For weeks after the trial, the Canadian public debated Riel's death sentence. In Quebec, the politicians stirred up the anger of the French and Catholic population. After Riel was hanged, crowds gathered to protest the federal government's actions.
Riel was seen in Quebec not as a defender of the Métis, but as the defender of Catholic Francophones. The anger of many French Canadians was so fierce that the news of their demonstrations was reported internationally. Even to this day, the decision to execute Riel is controversial.
Riel was seen in Quebec not as a defender of the Métis, but as the defender of Catholic Francophones. The anger of many French Canadians was so fierce that the news of their demonstrations was reported internationally. Even to this day, the decision to execute Riel is controversial.
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