Louis Riel Day

Sites Commemorating Riel

Riel statue at St. Boniface College

Riel statue at St. B 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.