Do Riel and Macdonald Deserve Equal Praise?

In 1885 Louis Riel, spiritual leader of the Métis people, was hanged for treason and for inciting armed rebellion against Sir John A. MacDonald's government following two resistance movements against the country's ruling party. Riel's goal was to preserve the culture and rights of the Métis people who had seen their homeland, the Red River Valley, fall under encroaching Anglo-Canadian influence. Although considered a traitor to his country at the time of his execution, Riel's portrait, like Macdonald's, features prominently upon a Canadian postage stamp. According to Canada Post policies, such national recognition is limited to prominent individuals who have made "outstanding contributions to Canada." Although both men have been equally honoured by Canada Post, treating Riel and Macdonald as equals in this manner has generated significant controversy amongst historians and average Canadians who continue to debate whether or not these honours are equally deserved. While Macdonald was the primary force behind Confederation which finally brought our many regions and citizens together as a unified country, Riel focused exclusively on the disenfranchised Métis people. Although it could be argued that Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, deserves higher recognition than Riel, the political movement that Riel spearheaded represented a major historical change in Canada by enabling the formation of Manitoba as a province. Both men embody a lasting legacy within Canadian society today, and in turn deserve to be honored with prominent images on our nation's postage stamps.