Abstract
Since he was tried and hanged for treason in November of 1885, Louis Riel has been the subject of more histories, biographies, novels, and poetry than any other figure in Canadian history. Politician, founder of Manitoba, and leader of the aboriginal Metis people, Riel led two resistance movements against the Canadian government: the Red River Uprising of 1869-70, and the North-West Rebellion of 1885, in defense of Metis and other minority rights.