River Pointe
the River Pointe is part of Riel, Canada.Top photos chosen by u all:
Louis Riel
Made by canadianlookin
Louis Riel, a leader of his people in their resistance against the Canadian government in the Canadian Northwest, is perhaps the most controversial figure in Canadian historiography. His life and deeds have spawned a massive and diverse literature. He was born in the Red River Settlement (in what is now Manitoba) in 1844. A promising student, he was sent to Montreal to train for the priesthood, but he never graduated. An attempt at training as a lawyer ended similarly, and by 1868 Riel was back in the Red River area. Ambitious, well educated and bilingual, Riel quickly emerged as a leader among the Métis of the Red River. In 1869-1870 he headed a provisional government, which would eventually negotiate the Manitoba Act with the Canadian government. The Act established Manitoba as a province and provided some protection for French language rights. Riel's leadership in the agitation, especially his decision to execute a Canadian named Thomas Scott, enraged anti-Catholic and anti-French sentiment in Ontario. Although chosen for a seat in the House of Commons on three occasions, he was unable to take his seat in the house. In 1875, Riel's role in the death of Scott resulted in his exile from Canada. These years in exile would include stays in two Quebec asylums and the growing belief in Riel that he had a religious mission to lead the Métis people of the Canadian northwest. In 1884, while teaching in Montana at a Jesuit mission, Riel was asked by a delegation from the community of Métis from the south branch of the Saskatchewan river to present their grievances to the Canadian government. Despite Riel's assistance, the federal government ignored Métis concerns. By March of 1885, Métis patience was exhausted and a provisional government was declared. Riel was the undisputed spiritual and political head of the short-lived 1885 Rebellion. He never carried arms and hindered the work of his military head, Gabriel Dumont. Riel was increasingly influenced by his belief that he was chosen to lead the Métis people. On May 15, shortly after the fall of Batoche, Riel surrendered to Canadian forces and was taken to Regina to stand trial for treason. At his trial, Riel gave two long speeches which demonstrated his powerful rhetorical abilities. He personally rejected attempts by his defence counsel to prove he was not guilty by reason of insanity. On 1 August 1885, a jury of six English-speaking Protestants found Riel guilty but recommended mercy. Judge Hugh Richardson sentenced him to death. Attempted appeals were dismissed and a special re-examination of Riel's mental state by government appointed doctors found him sane. He was hanged in Regina on 16 November, 1885. His execution was widely opposed in Quebec and had lasting political ramifications.
Riel House
Made by canadianlookin
Now a National Historic Site, this house (operated by Parks Canada) pays tribute to Louis Riel, the founder of Manitoba and fighter for Metis Rights. Although Louis didn't actually live in this house, it was built by his brother Joseph. At that time, Louis was already in exile and hiding for his life. However, his wife and two children, along with his mother and his two brothers and their families lived in this abode. 12 people resided in this house. An amazing feat considering that it probably only has about 800 square feet in total. Louis' wife had the bedroom on the front facing left side. This was her private room, as she had consumption (tuberculosis) and was quarantined off from the remainder of the family members.
Tribute to a Metis Man
Made by canadianlookin
As the plaque states, Louis Riel was a spokesman for Metis resistance to Canadian expansion in the Red River area. Riel headed a provisional government which took over Fort Garry in 1869. The negotiations that followed led to the cration of the Province of Manitoba in 1870. Forced into exile in the United States in part because of the execution of a captive by the Provisional government, Riel returned to the North-West in 1884 to represent a group, largely of Metis, in their struggle for land rights. The next year he led the ill-fated North-West Rebellion of native people and was subsequently hanged for treason.
The Legacy of Riel
Made by canadianlookin
In 1960, Riel was designated as a person of national historic significance by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. In 1992, the Parliament of Canada and the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba formally recognized Riel's contribution to the development of the Canadian Confederation and his role as a founder of Manitoba.
Riel House (circa 1886)
Made by canadianlookin
This is a depiction of the Riel House as it stood on the lot in 1886. As you can see, there is a cross positioned on the peak of the roof. This was to indicate that a death, or in this instance several deaths, had been incurred to the family within, and that they were in mourning.
Nearest places of interest:
| Max Bell Gym Fort Richmond Collegiate Wallace Building University Centre | St. Vital Centre Dakota Family Foods St. Vital Park Petland |
