Louis Riel

Homework pg. 77 #1-2

1) How did the Métis attempt to establish identity in the West?

The Métis were the offspring of European men and Aboriginal womenNo European women for 200 years, they did not have a role in the development of the early Métis nationBeing of a mixed breed Métis were not accepted by Europeans as equals, even though some Métis were educated in the EastThe Métis therefore formed a culture based on their talents in the fur trade--- as interpreters and clerks (for those who were educated), labourers and hunters

Many followed traditional Aboriginal ways, others were quick to adopt European customsThose whose fathers were French followed French ways, worked in the Catholic Church and worked for the North West CompanyThose whose fathers were British followed British customs, worshipped in the Anglican Church, and worked for the Hudson Bay Company

2) Research the life of Louis Riel?

Father was a fur trader who was a leader in the Red River Rebellion of 1869 against the Hudson’s Bay Company

Riel was in the right place at the right time to make a name for himself

2a) What qualities did he have that made him a leader of the Métis people?

Riel was a visionary who saw great future for his people

Educated in Montreal, allowing him to give expression to his nationalism

Deeply religious, which was a quality admired by the Métis people

2b) Describe efforts made to have Riel pardoned for his act of treason and executed?

Various Métis groups have petitioned the Canadian government during the last decade to have Riel pardoned, 100 years after his death

That pardon has yet to be granted but Riel predicted that the Métis people would rise again 100 years after he died

With the new surge in Métis nationalism his prediction has partially come true