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In 1885, during his trial in Regina, Louis Riel stated: “I know that through the grace of God I am the founder of Manitoba.” As the Métis leader of the Red River Resistance of 1869-70, he was instrumental in drafting the List of Rights that formed the basis of the Manitoba Act, passed by the Parliament of Canada in the spring of 1870, which brought the new Province of Manitoba into Confederation.
Origin of the Name Manitoba
Selected Archives of Manitoba Resources Relating to Louis Riel
Employment Standards Fact Sheet for Louis Riel Day
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Riel statue on the Legislative Building Grounds
The Louis Riel statue on the south grounds of the Legislative Building was erected by the Manitoba Metis Federation to complement the development of the plaza, fountain and riverwalk. A Manitoba Heritage Council plaque, recognizing Riel as an individual of provincial historic significance, and as a founder of Manitoba, also was unveiled and installed on Manitoba Day, May 12, 1996.
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Riel bust at St. Boniface Museum
The bust of Riel located in front of the St. Boniface Museum, 494 Taché Avenue, was erected in the late 1980s. It was sculpted by noted Francophone artist Réal Bérard and cast at a foundry in Saskatchewan. St. Boniface museum is the location of the largest collection of Riel related artifacts in Canada, including his shaving kit, locks of his hair, the moccasins and face cap he wore on the day of his execution, and the coffin his body was transported in from Regina to Winnipeg.
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Riel’s gravesite at St. Boniface Cemetery
Louis Riel was hanged in Regina on November 16, 1885, for his role as leader of the North-West Rebellion against the Canadian government. His body then lay in state at his mother’s house on River Road in St. Vital. He was buried in the picturesque St. Boniface Roman Catholic Cathedral Cemetery (190 ave de la Cathédrale), which is located northeast of the St. Boniface Museum (494 Taché Avenue).
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Riel statue at St. Boniface College
The original statue commemorating Louis Riel was erected on the grounds of the Legislative Building in 1971, in honour of Manitoba’s Centennial, the previous year. An artistic abstract sculpture within a cylindrical structure, it depicts Riel’s tortured soul, and was created by Marcien Lemay and Etienne Gaboury. It was controversial to many, who desired a more statesmanlike depiction. It was replaced in 1996 and moved to the grounds of St. Boniface College, 200 ave de la Cathédrale.
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Esplanade Riel
Esplanade Riel is the magnificent cable stayed footbridge connecting St. Boniface to The Forks. It provides a wonderful view of Old St. Boniface, The Forks, and The Forks National Historic Site. 'Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba'
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Riel House
Riel House, 330 River Road, in south St. Vital, is a National Historic Site managed by the St. Boniface Historical Society. Open in the summer months, it interprets the history of the Riel family and Louis Riel’s life and accomplishments. 'Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba' |
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Red River Resistance
This pamphlet includes sites of historic significance in and around Winnipeg related to the Red River Resistance. It helps you to understand Louis Riel’s role in the dramatic events of 1869-70, which led to the creation of the Province of Manitoba.
To request a free copy, please e-mail hrb@gov.mb.ca and provide your mailing address. |
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St. Norbert
It was in St. Norbert in 1869 that the Métis first defied the Canadian government by stopping Canadian surveyors. Here, they organized a committee of Métis supporters, led by Louis Riel, to take further action against Canada’s plans to take over Red River. Its first act was to erect a blockade called La Barrière to stop representatives of the Canadian government from entering the region. This booklet relates the eventful history of one of Manitoba’s earliest Francophone communities.
To request a free copy, please e-mail hrb@gov.mb.ca and provide your mailing address. |
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Louis Riel, ca 1873
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Louis Riel, ca 1876, Hall and Lowe photographers
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Louis Riel and Council, ca 1870, Joseph Langevin, photographer
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Fort Garry, ca 1875 'photographer unknown'
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HBC 1969 Calendar from a painting done in 1967 by Bruce Johnson
On November 2, 1869, Louis Riel and his followers took possession of the Hudson ’s Bay Company’s Upper Fort Garry, and later they formed a Provisional Government with Riel as President. To handle this complex problem Prime Minister John A. Madonald appointed Donald A. Smith of the Hudson’s Bay Company “Special Commissioner, to enquire into and report upon the causes and extent of the armed obstruction offered at the Red River…” This painting shows part of the crowd of 1,000 who assembled on January 19, 1870, to hear Donald Smith, who was accompanied by Louis Riel, explain his commission. (click image to enlarge)
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