Ode to Louis Riel

Another Louis Riel Day has come and gone, marking the fifth anniversary since its inception, and throughout the province nary a satisfying word was spoken of Mr. Riel. There was little in the way of a tribute covering the life and times of Louis in the media. There was little awareness of Louis’ numerous contributions to Canadian history in our schools and even less at the universities. There were no great speeches by government officials recognizing Louis’ vast influence to our Canadian identity. I even watched the Winnipeg Jets game on Sunday night hoping to see a modicum of attention for this Canadian icon.  But I was disappointed.

Louis Riel was not only a leader to the Métis people but a central figure in Canadian history. He is the Father of Manitoba and one of the original architects of multiculturalism in Canada. He negotiated Manitoba into the confederation on the basis of religious and cultural freedom and with terms to protect Indian Title to land throughout the Province. He envisioned a Canada where the dispossessed from across the world could come to start fresh in a place that flourishes on diversity. Like many Aboriginal leaders before and after him, he fought fearlessly against all odds and with every ounce of his life to carve out a space in this country for marginalized people to pursue their own unique identities.

Mr. Riel’s story has been an essential apparatus in shaping the Canadian conscience, a tool for advancing our critical thinking, and a window for our personal self-reflection. His legacy opens up public debate about Aboriginal and linguistic rights, about the significance of diversity and about the very nature of our unique character as Canadians. Every Canadian in this country owes Louis Riel a debt of gratitude. At the very least, we could acknowledge his tremendous influence on Canadian history on a day named in his honour. Yet there is a disturbing paucity of knowledge about a man that is by far the most written about person in Canadian history. Louis Riel Day should be about bringing all Manitobans together to learn about the history of this province, raising awareness of Riel’s contributions to the Canadian identity, and acknowledging the significance of diversity for all Canadians.

Louis Riel is a hero that still wears a traitor’s noose. It is time for the government of Canada to finally profess his innocence, to recognize that few other Canadians in our history have sacrificed as much as Riel in the name of a better, more inclusive Canada. Riel’s voice will echo for generations to come. Sooner or later, it will overpower an antiquated government, which will one day wake up on the wrong side of history. Louis Riel Day should be an impetus for the awakening.