Louis Riel

Louis Riel DOB

Oct 22, 1844

Louis Riel was born in the Red River settlement.

Priesthood

Jan 1, 1858

Louis Riel was sent to Lower Canada to be educated for priesthood at the age of 14.

Death of Father

Jul 22, 1864

After the death of his father in 1864, Riel withdraws from college to work and support his family. He finds work in Montreal as a law clerk.

Meeting on Metis Rights

Jul 19, 1869

Riel speaks at a meeting of Métis residents about rights in event of annexation of Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) lands by Canada.

Council of Assiniboia

Oct 25, 1869

Louis Riel appears before the Council of Assiniboia and declares the National Committee will block entry of any governor unless union with Canada is based on negotiation with the Métis and the population in general.

Provisional Government formed.

Dec 8, 1869

Provisional Government formed. John Bruce named president.

Riel becomes President

Dec 27, 1869

Riel replaces John Bruce as president.

Riel falls ill

Feb 1, 1871

Riel falls ill, perhaps enduring a nervous breakdown, worrying about his personal safety and his inability to support his family.

Fenian incident

Oct 31, 1871

During the Fenian incident, a poorly organized attempt by a group of Americans to march northward, Riel recruits armed Métis horsemen to defend Manitoba.

Convicted for murder

Oct 31, 1874

Riel is convicted along with Ambroise Lépine for murder of Thomas Scott.

Exile

Feb 13, 1875

Alexander Mackenzie’s Liberal government grants amnesty for Riel and Lepine, on the condition that both remain in exile for five years.

The Battle of Batoche

May 9, 1885

The Northwest Rebellion is over. Riel turns himself in to Middleton and is taken to Regina.

RIP Louis Riel

Nov 16, 1885

Louis Riel, at 41 years of age, is found guilty of high treason and hanged in Regina.