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Rethinking Riel
Who was Louis Riel? The Métis leader commanded two rebellions in western Canada and was tried, convicted and hanged for treason in 1885. Until well into the 20th century Riel was regarded as "misguided and impetuous" at best and a psychotic traitor at worst. But in the 1960s Riel's image began to turn around. Today most Canadians, particularly the Métis, have reclaimed him as a heroic patriot, founder of Manitoba and a Father of Confederation.		Educational activities about Rethinking Riel

	Rebellion on the Red		The North-West Rebellion		'Riel' pleads his case
	Louis Riel forms a provisional government in the Red River settlement to oppose Canadian encroachment on the Métis people. (TV; runs 10:13)		On the centennial of the Battle of Batoche, Canadians hold deeply divergent views of Louis Riel's place in history. (TV; runs 4:30)		CBC Newsworld stages a re-enactment of Riel's 1885 trial for treason. (Clip temporarily unavailable) (TV; runs 4:49)

	No cause for celebration		Demanding a place of honour		Back to Batoche
	Saskatchewan Métis are reluctant to mark Canada's Centennial by re-enacting Louis Riel's final battle. (Radio; runs 3:59)		A CBC reporter disputes a Manitoba man's assertion that Riel deserves a statue at the provincial legislature. (TV; runs 5:17)		The Métis nation holds an annual summer festival to reclaim the site of Riel's 1885 defeat. (Radio; runs 5:30)

	Métis call for Riel's pardon		'War trophy' stays put		Founder of Manitoba
	A former Supreme Court judge supports a re-evaluation of the decision that sent Riel to the gallows. (TV; runs 1:47)		An Ontario legion refuses to give up the bell of Batoche, captured by the Canadian army in 1885. (TV; runs 3:12)		After 122 years of provincehood, Manitoba officially recognizes Louis Riel's instrumental role in its founding. (TV; runs 3:28)

	Was Riel mentally ill?		Riel: a comic-book hero
	Riel believed he was a prophet of the new world, but a biographer says that didn't mean he was crazy. (Radio; runs 2:58)		Louis Riel is the star of a bestselling comic-strip biography. (Radio; runs 11:15)

LINKS Topic from Les Archives de Radio-Canada on the same subject Louis Riel, défenseur du peuple métis Related Topics from CBC's Archives Sir John A. Macdonald: Architect of Modern Canada The Battle for Aboriginal Treaty Rights CBC.ca CBC Newsworld: the Re-trial of Louis Riel CBC News In-Depth: Métis External sites Métis National Council The Canadian Encyclopedia: Louis Riel The CBC assumes no responsibility for the content of external links.

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