Effort to recognize Riel gains steam

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Alberta Liberal Senator Thelma Chalifoux introduced Bill S-35 in the House of Commons on Dec. 5 in response to Metis peoples' desire nationally that Louis Riel be recognized as a Metis patriot and Canadian hero. Many would have him designated as a Father of Confederation, but some parliamentarians who support a day of honor for Riel's nemesis, Sir John A. Macdonald, oppose similar honors for Riel on the basis that he led a rebellion against "the country" of the times he lived in.

The proposed "Louis Riel Act" would vacate Riel's conviction for high treason. It would also establish May 12 as Louis Riel Day and make the arrowhead sash the "recognized" symbol of the Metis people.

"The recognition of this great man and is contribution to the development of Canada is long overdue," said the senator. "We as Canadians have many heroes; it's our responsibility to make sure that future generations of Canadians never forget them. He played a significant role in the political process that led to the enactment by Parliament of the Manitoba Act, 1870 May 12 of that year which led to the creation of the province of Manitoba."

Manitoba was the first province in Western Canada to join Confederation.

If passed, the new act will allow various government bodies, boards and affiliates to use Riel's name for commemorative purposes. It will also authorize the minister of Canadian Heritage to "take appropriate action for the preservation of the memory of Louis Riel and the advancement of Metis culture and history," the draft bill states.

Chalifoux' own ancestors fought in the Northwest and Red River rebellions.

She is reported to have reluctantly given her support to another bill, S-14, that designates a special day for former prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, who allowed Riel to be hanged as a traitor on Nov. 16, 1885. She did that because S-14, also establishes the day as Sir Wilfred Laurier Day, and Laurier was "a friend of the Metis," according to Chalifoux.

Although Chalifoux says she won't acknowledge Sir John A. Macdonald, but only recognize Sir Wilfred Laurier Day if S-14 passes, others including Metis Nation of Ontario president Tony Belcourt have condemned it. Belcourt says Macdonald should not be recognized and honored because he was a racist. Bill S-14 goes to third reading in the House of Commons Dec. 12.

At press time, Prime Minister Jean Chretien's office had not issued a statement as to how the national leader would vote.