February 21, 2022
Statement from Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere on Louis Riel Day
Today we recognize Louis Riel Day, and encourage all Manitobans to join the provincial government in remembering the legacy and leadership of Louis Riel and commemorate his enduring impact on our province.
On Sept. 26, 2007, the Manitoba legislature passed a bill establishing a statutory holiday on the third Monday in February as Louis Riel Day with the first Louis Riel Day being celebrated Feb. 18, 2008.
Riel is recognized as a symbol of strength and resistance as he fought and advocated for the Métis people, and was a catalyst in the creation of Manitoba and is regarded as the founder of our province. His contributions for justice of Métis rights and cultural representation defined him as a leader and that is why over a century later, he is still celebrated across Canada for his dedication and advocacy for the rights of the Métis peoples.
Riel was born in 1844 in the Red River Settlement. He was raised by two devoted parents, Louis Riel Sr. and Julie Lagimodiere. Riel was elected president of the provisional government formed during the Red River Resistance of 1869-70, and negotiated Manitoba’s entry into Canada in 1871. He was elected to Parliament three times, but never took his seat due to political pressures. Riel was forced into exile to the United States but returned to Canada in 1884, returning to defend the Métis peoples to protect their rights to land and cultural practices. His advocacy resulted in a military response from the Canadian government, and the Northwest Resistance arose, eventually resulting in Riel surrendering on May 15, 1885. A public trial to tell the story of the Métis ensued and jurors found him guilty of treason, recommending leniency. However, he was sentenced to death. On Nov. 16, 1885, Riel was hung in Regina, as a message from Prime Minister John A. MacDonald to the Métis and others who challenged Canada’s western expansion goals.
Two statues of Riel are located in Winnipeg. In 1970, the work of architect Étienne Gaboury and sculptor Marcien Lemay, commissioned a statue of Riel depicting him as a naked and tortured figure, which stood on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building for 23 years. The statue was removed and placed at the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface as it was considered an undignified misrepresentation of Riel and was replaced in 1994 with a statue designed by Miguel Joyal depicting Riel as a dignified statesman. Today, the statue still remains located on the Legislative Building grounds and stands proud overlooking the Assiniboine River.
In observance of the provincial statutory holiday in honour of Louis Riel’s life and also observed as Family Day, Manitobans are encouraged to learn more about the Métis culture and take part in learning opportunities and celebrations being held across the province.
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