Louis Riel: Visionary, Martyr or Madman

Louis Riel has been called the most controversial figure in Canadian history. He is considered a hero and a “martyr” by many since he dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of his Métis people.

However, he was hanged in 1885 for treason. Some still think of him as a traitor. A further complication is that his trial was founded on a plea of insanity.

Was he “insane”? Riel spent time in more than one mental institution during his life. Despite all this, Riel has since been declared the honorary first premier of Manitoba and has been called a Father of Confederation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Visionary, martyr, or “madman”? Come and join us for the discussion to follow.

Presenter: Allan Quigley (Retired Post-Secondary Adult Educator, Historian, Returning Presenter)

1 Session, $15.   Class Size: max 35

Tuesday, April 1st,  1:30 – 3:30

Location ElderCollege Learning Centre