​Audio Transcript

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The breath-taking fountain you see on the right has surely starred in lots of selfies! It’s especially pretty at dusk, as sunlight is fading and the yellowish glow of the lanterns illuminate the grounds.

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Across from it, to the left and overlooking the river, stands a very regal Louis Riel. He’s been pretty controversial around here over the years. Louis Riel has been called both a “heroic leader who fought to protect his people”, and “a dangerous half-insane religious fanatic and rebel.”

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Nevertheless, a powerful political figure representing the Metis people of the prairies, he fought for what he believed was right and led 2 rebellions against the government.

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In a trial that lasted only half an hour, with a verdict that came with a recommendation for mercy, he was found guilty of treason. Despite the recommendation, he was hanged Nov. 16, 1885 in Regina Saskatchewan.

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The 3rd Monday of every February Manitoban’s take a day off to celebrate Louis Riel Day, a provincial holiday, and a movement has begun to declare him our first unofficial premier … the controversy continues!