Louis Riel, a prominent Métis leader, was executed 140 years ago on November 16, 1885. Recently, Prime Minister Mark Carney took a moment during the Grey Cup festivities to embrace David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Carney referenced Riel's vision for a "more inclusive Canada," prompting reflection on Riel's lasting impact on the Métis community and Canada as a whole.

Riel was recognized for his leadership abilities early in life. Archbishop A.A. Taché saw potential in Riel and arranged for him to study at the Sulpician seminary in Montreal, hoping he would return as a missionary. Although Riel received a top-tier education, he chose a secular path instead. He rose to prominence in 1869 by leading opposition in Red River against Canada's acquisition of Rupert's Land. As the leader of the resistance, Riel advocated for the land rights of Red River settlers, as well as the preservation of the French language and Catholic faith. Most of his demands were met by Sir John A. Macdonald, but the request for immediate provincial status for Rupert's Land was contentious.

Riel's vision included creating a new province that would encompass a vast area, larger than Canada at the time, controlled by a small population of 11,000 people. Macdonald could not grant this request without jeopardizing his nation-building efforts. Consequently, negotiations resulted in the establishment of Manitoba, a much smaller province of about 14,000 square miles surrounding the old Red River colony. The federal government retained control over public lands, leaving the new province financially constrained and reliant on Ottawa for support, which fostered a sense of alienation in the West that persists today.

Additionally, a land grant was promised to the children of Métis inhabitants in Red River to secure their status in the new province. However, many Métis sold their land rights and moved westward, feeling overwhelmed by the influx of Canadian immigrants.

Riel's second leadership attempt was even more disastrous. While teaching at a residential school in Montana in 1884, he was invited to assist Métis in the South Saskatchewan valley with their land claims. Many Métis had settled in violation of official regulations, complicating their land ownership. Riel urged his followers to reject the federal government's attempts to resolve their grievances, leading to an armed uprising.

Riel's mental state was questionable at the time, as he believed he was the divinely inspired "Prophet of the New World" tasked with reforming Roman Catholicism in the Americas. He initiated the uprising with the declaration, "Rome est tombée" (Rome has fallen). The rebellion ended in defeat for the Métis, and Riel was convicted of high treason and subsequently hanged.

Following Riel's execution, the Métis received land grants in the form of scrip, which many sold, resulting in some becoming landless. The trial and execution of Riel were manipulated by Macdonald, undermining the rule of law in Canada. The repercussions extended to First Nations as well, as the federal government imposed the pass system, restricting western Indigenous peoples from leaving their reserves without permission. This system, though inconsistently enforced, further hindered economic progress for First Nations.

Despite the tumultuous legacy of Riel's actions, he is now celebrated as a national hero, a status endorsed by the current prime minister. This complex history raises questions about the ongoing challenges faced by Canada today.