How did Louis riel became a hero?

Answer 1

Riel is far from a Hero in most of Canada. He fought against Canadian colonisation of the West and for the rights of those who lived in a land Canada considered empty of people for the most part. Those few that Canada acknowledged were thought to be grateful, so grateful that any rule Canada imposed would be accepted with little resistance. It didn't quite work out that way and the history of Riel makes it hard to think otherwise.

His role in Canadian history was in many cases portrayed in a very negative way but Riel was French. In the last half of the 20th century the French in Canada dramatically increased their political power and influence in Canadian politics. The story of Riel, standing up to English Canada, was perfect for those wanting to expand French political influence in Canada and inspire nationalism within Quebec.

The story of Riel also helps advance the cause of those groups who do not meet the racial purity needed to qualify for an Aboriginal Treaty number and the special status that accompanies it. These multi-generational Canadians want at least some of the special rights afforded to other multi-generational Canadians such as Aboriginals and the French. Riel is very much their hero.

Riel would be a hero to many more Canadians except his vision of Canada would see Western Canadians with many more rights, maybe even equal to the rest of Canada. This is something the Canadian model has never had room for. Canada's purchase and acquisition of Western and Northern Canada was for Eastern Canada's benefit and that is, for many, still the case today making Riel a difficult hero for most Canadians.