Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Riel, Louis

RIEL, LOUIS, a Canadian insurgent, son of the half-breed leader of the Metis Indians who rebelled against Canadian rule; born in St. Boniface, Oct. 23, 1844. He was secretary of the Metis national organization, and later the president of their provisional government at Fort Garry in the Northwestern Territory. He

led the Metis' Red River rebellion in 1869, which was subdued by a Canadian force under General Wolseley. He fled from the territory to escape arrest, and returned after peace terms had been arranged. He was elected to the Dominion Parliament in 1873, but was not allowed to take his seat. Again he incited rebellion, but it assumed only small proportions and was subdued by the Canadian Government. His attempt to create resistance in 1885 was more successful, but the rebellion was overthrown by General Middleton's forces. Riel was captured, tried for treason, and was sentenced to death. It was generally believed by French Canadians that Riel was insane. He was executed, Nov. 16, 1885, at Regina in the Northwestern Territory.