Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Riel, Louis
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
1844-1885
History
Louis Riel was born in 1844 in St. Boniface, which is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1844, this area was known as the Red River Settlement. Riel was a Métis leader and a founder of Manitoba. Riel is best known for leading the Red River Resistance in 1869–70 and the North-West Resistance in 1884–85. Riel sought to defend Métis rights and identity as the Northwest Territories came progressively under the Canadian sphere of influence. Riel was charged with treason after the North-West Resistance failed. He was executed (hanged) in 1885.