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Louis Riel

Politician and Revolutionary Louis Riel

Profession: Politician and Revolutionary

Nationality:
Canada
Canadian

Biography: As a political and spiritual leader of the Metis people of the Canadian prairies, he led two resistance movements against the Canadian government, seeking to preserve Metis rights and culture.

He was arrested and charged with treason before being executed in 1885.

Born: October 22, 1844
Birthplace: Red River Colony, Canada
Star Sign: Libra

Died: November 16, 1885 (aged 41)
Cause of Death: Execution by hanging

Historical Events

  • 1869-07-19 Louis Riel speaks at a meeting of Metis residents about rights, setting in motion the events now referred to as the Red River Rebellion
  • 1870-03-04 On command of Louis Riel, Thomas Scott is executed by a firing squad. Riel rejects all appeals and requests to intervene in an attempt to demonstrate to the Canadian government that the Métis must be taken seriously
  • 1872-03-02 Louis Riel goes into voluntary exile in St. Paul, Minnesota
  • 1885-03-19 Louis Riel returns to Canada, proclaims provisional government in Saskatchewan
  • 1885-03-26 Battle of Duck Lake: Louis Riel's forces defeat Canadian forces at Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, 1st engagement of the North-West Rebellion
  • 1885-05-12 Battle of Batoche: Louis Riel and the Metis defeated by Frederick Middleton, leads to collapse of Provincial Government of Saskatchewan and surrender of Riel
  • 1885-05-15 Canadian Métis insurgent Louis Riel captured in the aftermath of the Battle of Batoche in Saskatchewan

Biographies and Sources


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