Seal of a Nation: Canada Post, Macdonald and Riel

Louis Riel demonstrated surprising loyalty to Canada, and a tenacious belief in democracy. According to George Stanley, Manitoba was threatened by Fenian raids in 1871, and Riel offered to organise cavalry as a demonstration of Métis commitment to Canada. After the Red River Rebellion, Riel was elected as the MP of Provencher three times, though he was never admitted into Parliament because of fierce opposition. Riel did however, sneak into Parliament to sign his name in the registry, a stunt that caused outrage in Ontario and delight in Quebec, which identified with Riel’s struggles. After the 1884 Rebellion, Riel was captured and found guilty of treason by a jury made up of six white Protestants. During his trial, his lawyer’s defense was that Riel was insane. However, Riel perhaps considered himself more valuable to his cause dead as a martyr than alive but declared insane. Many people feel that his rebellions did not detract from his integrity, but rather added to it because he had legitimate grievances, as Wilfrid Laurier stated; “…what is hateful is not rebellion, but is the despotism which induces that rebellion; …Where would be the half-breeds [Métis] to-day if it had not been for this rebellion?”