Canadian Postage Stamps: Riel or Macdonald?

During Macdonald’s terms as Prime Minister, Louis Riel was one individual who continuously opposed the government in defense of Métis and First Nation rights. Riel’s actions aided in preserving Métis rights and establishing Manitoba, but that is not the sum of Riel’s involvement in Canadian history. In 1885 Riel returned to Canada from exile in the United States to again prevent Métis territory in Saskatchewan, and this time First Nations land as well, from being claimed by European settlers. However, Riel’s rebellion was in vain, and he eventually submitted himself to the North West Mounted Police and was sentenced to death for treason. At the time, the Métis hailed him as an advocator of Metis rights, while the English viewed him as a traitor for executing an Orangeman at Fort Garry. Despite this, the formation of Manitoba was due mainly to Riel’s actions, and his demands for the government to respect First Nations and Métis rights set an example for the following generations.