A Prominent Yet Controversial Leader, Métis-born, Louis Riel

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There is always one person who is responsible for keeping everything under control. This refers to a Métis-born leader widely known as Louis Riel, who is one of the most prominent, yet one of the most controversial figures of Canada during the Red River and the North-West Rebellions. I respectfully disagree that Louis Riel is guilty of high treason, who instead should be granted clemency and not be executed. Although some people may believe this is wrong, they are oblivious of his outstanding accomplishments, such as defending the Métis rights, taking good risks and action, and shaping the province of Manitoba. Louis Riel, a daring man who possesses the qualities of a dominant leader, should be looked upon as an inspiring hero for everyone. He defended the Métis rights. In 1869, the Dominion of Canada purchased Rupert’s Land, where the Métis; a type of group that were a mix of European and Aboriginal, happen to live in the Red River, classified under Rupert’s Land. Just then, the inhabitants of the Red River were notified of this upsetting news, and the Metis refused to accept losing their progress of their farms and villages. C’est horrible, we French people would say! This was the moment when Louis Riel, a well-educated man, stood up for his own underprivileged kind, and became the champion of the Métis. He himself believed that it was their land and it was rightfully theirs. In spite of the lack of papers and evidence to prove the land was legally theirs, Louis Riel and the Métis were unfairly treated due to their different cultures and traditions. As a result of this, Louis had no other choice but to take action and start immediately before it was too late. Other than supporting the Métis, he as well supported us French Cana... ... middle of paper ... ...conclusion that Louis Riel is indeed a legacy who should be regarded as one who is innocent. He has left us questioning whether or whether not his movements were plausible, but then again, he has nevertheless managed to carry honor and pride, while contributing many things towards Canada through his objectives. He preserved the Métis home territory and rights through many obstacles, which gradually led to the formation of Manitoba. He went through plenty of danger, while he knew they were coming. Louis Riel’s noble actions are too worthy to be burdened with charges of high treason and felony. “No matter what happens now,” he stated, “the rights of the Métis are assured by the Manitoba Act; that is what I wanted. My mission is finished.” Louis Riel, a hero, a saint, a prophet, is not the only one that is facing injustice and discrimination today in the 19th century.

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