The Louis Riel sculpture is a monument to Louis Riel located on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg. Commissioned by the Manitoba Metis Federation and sculpted by Miguel Joyal, the statue is located on the building's south grounds and faces the Assiniboine River.

Why is there a statue of Louis Riel?

The original statue commemorating Louis Riel was erected on the grounds of the Legislative Building in 1971, in honour of Manitoba's Centennial, the previous year. An artistic abstract sculpture within a cylindrical structure, it depicts Riel's tortured soul, and was created by Marcien Lemay and Etienne Gaboury.

What statue was pulled down in Winnipeg?

The statue of Queen Victoria, larger and placed prominently near the main entrance to the legislature grounds, had its head removed. The head was recovered the next day from the nearby Assiniboine River.

Why Louis Riel was so controversial?

He's super controversial

Depending on who you ask, Riel was either a hero or a traitor. He led the Red River Métis to rebel against the Canadian government and petition for their rights as a people, which included fighting wars and at times sentencing death to prisoners.

What is the legacy of Louis Riel?

On November 16th, 1885, Louis Riel was executed for his role in standing up for Métis lands and rights, including, the Métis Nation's inherent rights of self-government and self-determination. After 135 years, our Métis self-government here in Alberta is stronger than ever.

Did You Know? - The History of Louis Riel

Why is Louis Riel called the Father of Manitoba?

A Métis leader, Louis Riel was born in the Red River Settlement and educated at St. Boniface and Montreal. Riel, a passionate defender of the Métis, advocated guarantees for their land, language and political rights. His leadership inspired the creation of Manitoba as Canada's fifth province on July 15, 1870.

What legacy did Louis Riel leave behind?

“Louis Riel fought valiantly for the rights of the Métis Nation and remains an inspiration for all who fight to decolonize Canada today,'' says Thomas. Louis Riel established the Provisional Government of the Red River Settlement and negotiated with the Government of Canada to establish Manitoba as a province in 1870.

What are the bad things Louis Riel did?

After the rebellion ended, Riel became a prisoner of the Canadian government and was taken to trial for treason in Regina. He was eventually convicted and executed as a traitor. And so lived and died the heroic, peaceful founder of the Province of Manitoba, and defender of the rights of the Métis.

Did Louis Riel marry his sister?

Prior to marriage, Julie Lagimodière was planning to join the Grey Nuns. Her parents chose the marriage to Jean-Louis Riel as a sense of financial and social security for their loving daughter. Sara Riel was the fourth child born to Jean-Louis and Julie Riel.

Who did Louis Riel marry?

Louis Riel (1844-1885): Biography

In March 1882, he married Marguerite Monet dit Bellehumeur in Carrol, Montana Territory. The couple had two children: Jean (May 1882) and Angèlique (September 1883).

Why was Queen Victoria statue toppled in Canada?

A prominent statue of Queen Victoria has been torn down by protesters in Canada as anger grows over the deaths of indigenous children at residential schools. The protesters cheered as the statue at the legislature in Manitoba's capital Winnipeg was toppled on Thursday.

Why was Queen Victoria statue toppled?

Statues of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II were toppled in Canada amid outrage over the discovery of unmarked graves belonging to nearly 1,000 Indigenous children. ... The demonstrations came after unmarked graves belonging to children were found at former Indigenous schools in Canada.

Where was Queen Victoria statue torn down?

Statues of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria were torn down in the Canadian city of Winnipeg by protesters furious over the recent discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves of indigenous children.

What were Louis Riel's accomplishments?

Louis Riel was the leader of the Métis in western Canada who led his people in revolt against Canadian sovereignty and helped found the province of Manitoba.

What was Louis Riel famous for?

Riel led two popular Métis governments, was central in bringing Manitoba into Confederation, and was executed for high treason for his role in the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands.

Who led Quebec into Confederation?

Macdonald Day. His portrait is on the $10 bill. Sir George-Étienne Cartier was the key architect of Confederation from Quebec.

What happened after Louis Riel's death?

The trial of Louis Riel has been subject to much scrutiny since it handed down a conviction and death sentence to the Métis leader. ... At the onset of the trial, they had the judge bar Riel from speaking because he opposed their attempt to establish a plea of insanity.

Who seized Fort Garry?

This fort was seized by Louis Riel during the Red River Rebellion of 1870. With the decline of the fur trade and the growth of Winnipeg, Fort Garry virtually disappeared.

Why was Louis Riel executed?

In addition to leading two popular governments, Louis Riel played a central role in Manitoba's joining Confederation. After a polarizing trial, he was hanged in Regina, Saskatchewan, for high treason and his participation in the resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands.