Prime Minister Justin Trudeau salutes Louis Riel on holiday Monday
Louis Riel was hanged for treason against the Canadian government more than 130 years ago but today, Canada's prime minister paid tribute to the Manitoba Métis leader.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement issued Monday, lauded Riel as not only a founder of Manitoba but a champion of the values Canada's identity is now based upon.
Riel was hanged for treason at age 41 in 1885 and remains a controversial figure in Canadian history.
Seen by many as a folk hero and protector of minority rights and culture, there have been demands made over the years for his retroactive pardon.
Others view him as a traitor who instigated war when he led two resistance movements against the Canadian government.
After he was executed in a public gallows in Regina on Nov. 16, 1885, Riel's body was transported to Manitoba. On Dec. 12, 1885, he was buried in the St. Boniface Cathedral cemetery, now part of Winnipeg.
On Feb. 18, 2008, Manitoba officially recognized the third Monday of every February as Louis Riel Day, a general provincial holiday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau salutes Louis Riel on holiday Monday - Manitoba - CBC News
Louis Riel was hanged for treason against the Canadian government more than 130 years ago but today, Canada's prime minister paid tribute to the Manitoba Métis leader.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement issued Monday, lauded Riel as not only a founder of Manitoba but a champion of the values Canada's identity is now based upon.
Riel was hanged for treason at age 41 in 1885 and remains a controversial figure in Canadian history.
Seen by many as a folk hero and protector of minority rights and culture, there have been demands made over the years for his retroactive pardon.
Others view him as a traitor who instigated war when he led two resistance movements against the Canadian government.
After he was executed in a public gallows in Regina on Nov. 16, 1885, Riel's body was transported to Manitoba. On Dec. 12, 1885, he was buried in the St. Boniface Cathedral cemetery, now part of Winnipeg.
On Feb. 18, 2008, Manitoba officially recognized the third Monday of every February as Louis Riel Day, a general provincial holiday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau salutes Louis Riel on holiday Monday - Manitoba - CBC News
