The National Government of the Red River Métis marks the 137th anniversary of Louis Riel's execution

November 16, 2022

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, marks the 137th anniversary of the execution of Louis Riel - father of confederation, founder of Manitoba and the province's first premier.

"Louis Riel was a leader, a visionary, and a passionate advocate for our Nation," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "Riel and the resistance worked to negotiate terms for Canada's entry into the Northwest, not to prevent it from happening. The MMF, as the direct inheritor of Riel's legacy, has the honour and responsibility of ensuring that our Citizens and all Canadians remember the price Riel paid for defending our rights and fighting for our way of life."

Following a hard-fought series of battles between Canadian troops and the Red River Métis, Louis Riel surrendered himself to Canadian soldiers for trial in May of 1885. Following the trial, he was convicted of treason and hung at the Northwest Mounted Police barracks in Regina.

His trial was planned by Canada and held in the Northwest, using an archaic English law from the year 1352 to seek his conviction. The guilty verdict was a foregone conclusion before the trial even began. He was 41 years old at the time of his execution.

Every year, our Nation, along with dignitaries and representatives from other levels of government, come together at Riel's gravesite to celebrate his remarkable life and legacy.

"It's clear that Canadians are beginning to understand that Riel's vision for our country was one of inclusivity, diversity, freedom and democratic integrity - values that Canada holds dear today," said President Chartrand. "Perhaps this is why Louis Riel's gravesite has become a place of pilgrimage and reflection for Canadians as well as our Citizens. Our government will never let anyone forget that Riel's legacy goes beyond the Red River Métis - his deeds helped plant the seeds that have become the roots of Canada today."

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis, the origin and core of the Métis Nation. The Red River Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

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