Louis Riel was a metis Canadian and a key player in the creation of the province of Manitoba. He was gutsy enough to stand up to the federal government on several occassions, two of which ended in bloodshed, the last of which ended in his execution. Winnipeg features 2 memorials to this renegade/freedom fighter with very different feelings. This first one by the legislature shows him as a proud statesman.
Less discussed than his vision for Manitoba is his later mental imbalance and time spent in an insane asylum. Riel claimed to have spoken with angels and been given orders by God which are typically warning signs for most of us.
The second statue of him in Saint Boniface reflects more of this aspect with a man tormented and at odds with himself. I greatly enjoy both statues, finding his story to be a fascinating bit of Canadian history and I am glad to see him recognized as an important part of Manitoba culture.
Rebel of visionary, genius or madman, I think we can all agree that Riel was 20 feet tall and made of brass.
Less discussed than his vision for Manitoba is his later mental imbalance and time spent in an insane asylum. Riel claimed to have spoken with angels and been given orders by God which are typically warning signs for most of us.
The second statue of him in Saint Boniface reflects more of this aspect with a man tormented and at odds with himself. I greatly enjoy both statues, finding his story to be a fascinating bit of Canadian history and I am glad to see him recognized as an important part of Manitoba culture.
Rebel of visionary, genius or madman, I think we can all agree that Riel was 20 feet tall and made of brass.
No comments:
Post a Comment