Louis Riel - Distinguished Champion

The current Prime Minister at that time, John A. MacDonald, acknowledged the pleading of their government and saw it as an easier and a more diplomatic way to negotiate with the Métis rather than send in military and take over the land. The Native tribes owe him their lives; Riel successfully persuaded the federal government peacefully and avoided a huge tragedy that would have impacted many Canadians, especially the Métis.
             Louis Riel presented a crucial step in the development of the Métis, the Métis Bill of Rights. The Métis Bill of Rights was a challenge for Riel to not only defend the Métis but defend the entire settlement under the Canadian government control. The Métis Bill of Rights established that the Métis would have the same rights as other nations. They would keep their culture, including the use of both English and French in law and education, as well as the Métis would keep the right to their land. Indisputably he was a true Métis leader and very passionate about preserving the Métis rights and principles. When the surveyors came back and purposely overlooked the Métis Bill of Rights there was only one hope for the Métis. Riel was called back and rapidly tried further improve the conditions of the Métis. Riel sent Macdonald an appeal on behalf of the Métis asking for provincial standing of the North-West Territory; though MacDonald delayed the replies and eventually the Métis grew irritated. Louis Riel's last option left was to protect the Métis rights as the government would not be reasonable or hear to the destruction of the Métis culture caused by their colonization. With the hopeless pleading of the Métis and the ignorance of the government Louis Riel began the North West Rebellion. Louis Riel put the needs of the Métis before his own need for well-being, even while he was captured.