So since we just had Louis Riel Day here in Manitoba, this little article got me thinking. By the time I was in high school, the viewpoint of Riel as a hero to the Metis people was on the rise and being presented. Currently, here in Manitoba he is very well respected as a key historical figure in the province. Remember that the name for the holiday itself came from school students when the Manitoba government invited submissions to name the new holiday.
So I've essentnially been living in a bubble, and for the most part, the viewpoint of Riel as an important player in Manitoba history isn't really questioned here. Is that the consensus in other places? Is he still viewed as a traitor by some in other parts of the country? I'd be interested to hear thoughts on this.