103_BONUSASSIGNMENT_WORDFILE

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Apr 3, 2024

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Simranjeet Kaur Student Number: 249676440 Algoma University Mississauga Campus Section R PMAL 103: Turtle Island, Canada & The World Professor Cynthia Stone Date 14 February 2024 Bonus Assignment

Bonus Assignment: Hero or villain? Write or present an argument on Louis Riel choosing one of the options: friend or foe/hero or villain in 1500 words. Overview: The legacy of Louis Riel, a pivotal character in Canadian history, has been the focus of continuous discussion and contention. Was he a hero who stood up for Métis rights against colonial oppression, or was he a criminal whose acts caused violence and bloodshed? This essay will look at Louis Riel's many facets, including his achievements and the criticisms directed against him. We can comprehend the complicated legacy of this mysterious person better by exploring the historical background of Riel's acts and considering a variety of viewpoints . In the Manitoban city of St. Boniface, Louis Riel was born in 1844. This region was called the Red River Settlement in 1844. The Red River Resistance in 1869–1870 and the North-West Resistance in 1884–1885 are the two notable resistance movements that Riel spearheaded. He was a fighter for the Métis people. The Métis are a people group descended from First Nations and Europeans. They belong to one of Canada's three indigenous communities. When the North- West Resistance failed, Riel was accused of treason. In 1885, he was hanged for execution. A contentious figure is Louis Riel. Many people believed him to be a rebel for a very long time. He has been revered by Métis as a hero for his defense of their rights. More people now believe that he is a hero. Louis Riel spent a lot of time in Quebec during his youth. That's where he attended school. He did a great job in school. Moreover, he attended a seminar. A seminary is a setting where men are trained to become priests. Riel, however, chose not to become a priest. He decided to propose. Because priests cannot be married, he was unable to become a priest. The parents of his fiancé were against her marrying a Métis man. The Métis people were subjected to discrimination at the period by many people. With that, Riel returned to the Red River Settlement. By exploring the historical background of Riel's acts and considering many viewpoints, we can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate legacy left behind by this mysterious man. Historical Context: It's critical to comprehend the socio-political environment in which Louis Riel functioned to assess his significance to Canadian history. Amidst considerable turmoil and strife in the Canadian West, Riel rose to prominence as a leader. Rupert's Land and the North- Western Territory were acquired by the Canadian government, and as a result, Métis communities were subjected to growing pressure from settlers and the intrusion of rules that endangered their traditional way of life. Riel's Achievements and Leadership: Louis Riel's leadership during the North-West and Red River Rebellions highlights his importance as a key character in Métis history. After emerging as the head of the Red River Resistance in 1869, Riel was able to negotiate the terms of Manitoba's admission into Confederation, which resulted in the Manitoba Act of 1870. With this accomplishment, the Métis were able to gain land rights and language safeguards, setting the stage for Indigenous self-determination inside the Canadian Federation.

Riel assumed leadership roles once more during the North-West Rebellion of 1885, mobilizing Métis and Indigenous peoples against the atrocities carried out by the Canadian government. Even though Riel and his supporters were ultimately defeated in their rebellion, his actions raised awareness of the complaints of underprivileged groups and initiated crucial discussions concerning Indigenous rights in Canada. It is important to recognize Riel's dedication to maintaining Métis culture and independence. He was a fervent supporter of his people, fighting against colonial expansionism to preserve their homeland, language, and way of life. Courage, resiliency, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice and equality were all embodied in Riel's leadership. Criticism and Controversy: Despite his achievements, Louis Riel is still seen as a controversial figure by some, who see elements of his behavior and leadership as proof of his evil character. The main accusation made against Riel is that he participated in violent and rebellious acts. Examples of Riel's willingness to go to great lengths to achieve his objectives include the killing of Thomas Scott during the Red River Resistance and the fighting that took place during the North-West Rebellion. In addition, certain Métis groups disapproved of Riel's leadership and strategies, which caused division in the society. His proclamation of himself as a prophet and the establishment of an interim administration has been seen as unpredictable and unstable, causing division and factionalism within the party. Furthermore, it has been suggested that Riel's mental health issues contribute to his contentious actions. Riel suffered from periods of mental instability throughout his life, including psychoses and delusions about religion. Regarding the extent to which Riel may be held responsible for his acts, some historians contend that his mental health problems impaired his judgment and decision-making skills. Interpretations and Viewpoints: In the end, the debate over whether Louis Riel is a hero, or a villain is subjective and influenced by personal viewpoints and interpretations. Riel is revered as a hero and martyr by the Métis people and Indigenous communities for having given his life to protect their rights and sovereignty. His legacy encourages future generations to carry on the fight for justice by serving as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and acknowledgment in Canada. On the other side, the Canadian government, and certain historians view Louis Riel as a villain because of his activities, which can also be seen in a more unfavorable perspective. During the Red River Rebellion and the North-West Rebellion, Riel's involvement in the uprisings resulted in deadly encounters and violent incidents, such as the death of Thomas Scott. In 1885, Riel was put to death after being accused of treason because of these actions. In addition, there was disagreement over Riel's activities even among the Métis, with some members of the community supporting and others disagreeing. Questions concerning his intentions and strategies surfaced because of the turmoil and internal strife that surrounded his

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