THE LAST WRITTEN WORDS OF

LOUIS RIEL The Manitoba Metis Federation is the official self-government for the Metis people of Manitoba. The MMF promotes the political, social and economic interests of its citizens, advancing and protecting the rights of the Metis people and delivering programs and services in areas such as child and family services, justice, housing, human resources and economic development.

Believe in Yourself - Believe in Metis THE LAST WRITTEN WORDS OF

© 2009 Manitoba Metis Federation The Founding Father of Manitoba

“I am more convinced every day that without a single exception I did right. . . . And I have always believed that, as I have acted honestly, the time will come when the people of Canada will see and acknowledge it” —Louis Riel

Louis Riel Oct 22, 1844 - Nov 16, 1885 © 2009 Manitoba Metis Federation Louis “David” Riel was born at St. Boniface in the Red River Settlement on October 22, 1844, the eldest of 11 children of Louis Riel, Sr. and Julie Lagimodière. At age seven he was sent to the school conducted by the Grey Nuns in St. Boniface, and, in 1854, to the school operated by the Christian Brothers. In 1858 he was selected by Bishop Taché to be educated in Eastern Canada. He left and worked in several American cities before returning to the Red River Settlement in 1868.

He soon became embroiled in the prospective Canadian annexation of the settlement. He first became the secretary and later the president of the National Committee of the Métis. A “provisional government” was formed under his leadership. A convention was held that drew up a “List of Rights” as the basis on which the Settlement would enter Confederation. Most of these rights were incorporated in the Manitoba Bill, which received Royal Assent on May12, 1870. For his efforts toward this achievement Riel has been called “the founding father of the Province of Manitoba.”

Although elected to represent the Provencher constituency in the Canadian House of Commons in 1873, and again in 1874, he was not permitted to take his seat. In 1875, the Governor General granted a general amnesty to Riel on the condition that he remain in exile for five years. He returned to the United States, settled in the Territory of Montana, and applied for American citizenship in 1883.

In June 1884, he was asked by a group of Saskatchewan Valley Metis settlers to lead them in protest against the Canadian government. The outcome of his return was the North-West Rebellion of 1885. Following the defeat at Batoche, on May 15, Riel surrendered to General Middleton. He was tried for treason, rejecting the plea of insanity advanced by his lawyers, and was hanged at Regina on November 16, 1885.

On December 12, 1885, Riel was buried in the graveyard of St. Boniface Cathedral.

This is a sample of one of the four original poems written by Louis Riel while he was incarcerated and awaiting his execution. The poems are in 2 “Paragon Autograph Albums” supplied by his jailer Robert Hobbs, who was serving with the North West Mounted Police. Riel in turn presented these albums as a gift to Hobbs. The last written words were purchased by the Manitoba Metis Federation and supporting friends on Nov. 25th, 2008. Three of the four poems are signed Louis “David” Riel.

The poems written in English are of a religious nature, but perhaps the most revealing insight into his personality can be found in this sample poem. These articulate and intelligent poems show tremendous courage in his final hours. His unwavering vision will be an inspiration for generations to come. He was a great leader and a defender of human rights and freedoms. The last written words of Louis David Riel have finally come home. Believe in Yourself - Believe in Metis