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From The Gallows: Did Louis Riel deserve to hang?
From The Gallows Did Louis Riel deserve to hang Author:David Doyle Did Louis Riel Deserve To Hang? Louis Riel, the founder of the Canadian province of Manitoba and the leader of the Indigenous Metis nation, was found guilty of the ancient crime of High Treason - "levying war against our Lord the King in his realm" and was sentence to "hang by the neck until dead." Louis Riel was executed on November 16, 1885.... more » Long-time Riel activist David Doyle now proudly presents Louis Riel's "lost testimony" - the defence he was never allowed. At his trial, condemned as a traitor and sentenced to hang, Riel called out for justice. He called for an "Enquiry into the Career of Louis Riel." He asked that the proper authorities investigate all charges against him: Had he been a rebel in 1869? Was he a murderer of Thomas Scott? Had he plundered the Hudson's Bay Company stores? Was he a fugitive from justice in the House of Commons? Had he been guilty of more than self-defence in 1885? Was Louis Riel insane? Still, after over one hundred and twenty-six years, with no official inquiry having ever been held, the issue of Louis Riel's proper place in Canadian history is not resolved. Officially, Louis Riel remains a traitor to Canada, tried, convicted and executed in what has been described as a ?legal murder.? Is this Canadian justice? In an attempt to provide historic insight into Louis Riel's character and career what follows is a reconstruction of Riel's political life. It is an exploration of his career as a Canadian politician and Indigenous leader. Set into the form of a personal narrative, it is a rendering of Louis Riel's last defence; dovetailing his words, his writings and historical documentation and data that has come to light since his execution. David Doyle« less