FOCUS ON INQUIRY

Should Canada have an official Louis Riel Day?

Focus Skills: Retrieving Information

You've been introduced to Louis Riel and learned about the uprisings he led of the Métis people.

Some Canadians honour this important chapter in Canadian history by marking Louis Riel Day each year. Should all Canadians mark this day? Should Louis Riel Day become an official Canadian holiday?

Getting Started

First, watch this video.

Work with a group of classmates to plan this inquiry. Start with these questions:

• Who marks Louis Riel Day now? On what date? Why this date?

• What evidence can you find of events in Ontario marking Louis Riel Day?

• Has Canada’s parliament ever considered designating an official Louis Riel Day?

• In what ways might the idea of an official Louis Riel Day spark controversy?

Debate

Be prepared to debate informally whether Canada should have an official Louis Riel Day in class. Based on your research, what’s your opinion?

Final Task (individually)

1. Provide a summary of your research on Louis Riel Day in Ontario and Canada.

2. After the debate, choose whether you want to argue that Louis Riel is either a hero or a villain. Provide evidence in your argument. 

3. Do you think we should celebrate a Louis Riel Day? Should he be exonerated?