| "Today is the 16th: a very remarkable day... Take good care of the children... have them pray for me. Be courageous." [Translation] This letter is probably the last ever written by Riel. He addressed it to his wife, Marguerite Monet, and their two children, a few hours before climbing the scaffold. Head of the provisional government set up in 1869 by the Métis, Louis Riel (1844-1885) inspired the Métis rights movement and led the 1884-1885 Northwest Rebellion. Taken prisoner on May 15, 1885, he was charged with high treason, tried, convicted and sentenced to death. He was hanged on November 16, 1885. English Translation MG 53, B 29 |