MMF along with dignitaries from other levels of government, gather to honour Louis Riel on the 139th anniversary of his execution

November 16, 2024

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, honoured our historic leader Louis Riel, first Premier, father of confederation and leader of the Red River Métis on the 139th anniversary of his execution, through a ceremony held at his gravesite.

"The decades long effort to obtain recognition for Louis Riel as a leader and visionary has taken major steps forward in the last few years, as more Manitobans and Canadians understand the truth of his leadership and accomplishments," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF.

"This is a special commemoration, as it's the first after the passage of The Louis Riel Act, signalling that the Government of Manitoba finally acknowledges Louis Riel as the first Premier of Manitoba. With this bill being brought forward as an education bill, it paves the way for school curriculums to be updated to reflect Louis Riel's accomplishments. Premier Kinew and his government have earned the respect and gratitude of the Red River Métis for righting this longstanding historic wrong."

In late 1869, Louis Riel and other Red River Métis leaders established a provisional government to protect the interests of those living in the historic Northwest, presenting a Bill of Rights to Canada, the results of which were reflected in the 1870 Manitoba Act, enshrining language and religious freedoms, and seeking protection for both Red River Métis and First Nations through treaties like the Manitoba Act.

Despite the passing of the 1870 Manitoba Act, The Reign of Terror descended onto the Red River Métis. Louis Riel was forced to flee to the United States in exile, where he stayed for five years. He was voted into Parliament multiple timesbut was never able to take his seat.

Louis Riel returned to defend the Red River Métis in 1884, leading to the Battle of Batoche in 1885. After the battle, Louis Riel surrendered himself to Canadian soldiers and was taken to Regina for trial, which at the time was not part of Canada. He was charged and subsequently hung for treason under archaic laws from Great Britain. The unfair, manufactured trial against Louis Riel remains a great injustice done against the man and his people, the Red River Métis.

"Commemorating Louis Riel on the day of his execution is a reminder for everyone to remember the true history of Manitoba, and to honour the accomplishments and sacrifices of Louis Riel," said President Chartrand. "He fought and died for the rights of the Red River Metis and suffered fatal consequences for his pursuit of justice on behalf of all Red River Métis. Today, the MMF is nationally and internationally recognized as the successor of Louis Riel and his government. We have successfully continued to advance our Nation and expand our footprint in the province we brought into Confederation. I know Louis Riel still watches over us, and I'm sure he's proud that we are ready to sign our modern-day treaty, and that there is a new beacon of our presence shining from 333 Main Street, telling all that we are still here in the heart of our Homeland, and thriving as he always hoped."

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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor

Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

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 Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

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