Louis Riel
Métis leader in Canada (1844–1885)
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Louis David Riel (October 22, 1844 – November 16, 1885) was a Canadian politician, a founder of the province of Manitoba, and leader of the Métis people of the Canadian prairies. He led two resistance movements against the Canadian government in 1869 and 1885. He spent much of his life in exile in the United States due to his rebellions.
Sourced quotes
- In a little while it will be over. We may fail. But the rights for which we contend will not die.
- May 6, 1885, Batoche, N.W.T.
- Simple: It will be over soon. We may lose. But the reasons we fight for will not die.
- We may be a small community and a Half-breed community at that - but we are men, free and spirited men and we will not allow even the Dominion of Canada to trample on our rights
- As quoted in the book "Strangers in Blood".
- Simple: We may be a few people living together - and of different races - but we are still humans, and we will not let the government of Canada to take away our rights.
Unsourced quotes
- My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.
- Rome has fallen
- Spoken when shortly after having lost faith in the church
- Simple: The church (Rome) has fallen, failed us
- We must cherish our inheritance. We must preserve our nationality for the youth of our future. The story should be written down to pass on.
- Simple: We must remember our ancestors, and keep our nationality and culture for the youth in the future. We should write down our story, to pass down to other generations.
- I am glad the Crown have proved that I am the leader of the half-breeds in the Northwest. I will perhaps be one day acknowledged as more than a leader of the half-breeds, and if I am, I will have an opportunity of being acknowledged as a leader of good in this great country.
- 1885
- Simple: I am glad the Crown (government) has decided I am the leader of the half-breeds (us)in the Northwest. One day I might be seen as the leader of more than the half-breeds, and have the chance of being seen as a leader of good in this great country.
- I have nothing but my heart and I have given it long ago to my country.
- Immediately before his execution in 1885, the guard asked him for a souvenir.
- Simple: The only thing I can give is my heart, and it was given long ago to my country (and people)
- Deeds are not accomplished in a few days, or in a few hours. A century is only a spoke in the wheel of everlasting time."
- In the Montreal Star, 1885
- Simple: Men do not accompish things in a few days or hours. A century is just a small part in the everlasting time.
