What Is Louis Riel A Martyr

Throughout history, the Native people of North America and the Europeans have continually had arguments and disputes over land. To this day there are still issues trying to be resolved. Twenty years ago, the beginning of one of the most violent and intense land disputes in present day Canada occurred. This event is now referred to as the Oka Crisis, named after the town Oka in Quebec. This crisis caused a confrontation involving the Quebec provincial police, the Canadian armed forces and the Mohawk people.1 The stand that the Mohawk people took in the town of Oka became a major revelation for the aboriginal people spreading awareness of aboriginal rights across Canada.

A hero is described as someone who has distinguished qualities, courage, and bravery and Louis Riel was exactly that. He risked his life everyday to stand up for his people and his beliefs. Can a man be considered a traitor if he stood up for the rights of his people? Riel

One of the most contentious issues in Canada's history is that of the Metis. Some people feel this unique group of people does not deserve any sort of recognition, whereas others believe their unique history and culture is something to be recognized and cherished. The history of the Metis people is filled with struggle; not only struggles against other powers, but also a struggle for self-identification. Despite strong opposition, the Metis people of Canada have matured as a political force and have taken great strides towards being recognized as a unique people.

A prime example of how L’Ouverture was a hero was his great support of the slaves of Haiti. He encouraged them to fight for their rights and their freedom from their oppressive owners. In spite of the fact that he had been a free man for a while, and his life would have undoubtedly been easier if he quietly enjoyed that freedom, his heroic and compassionate instinct showed forth as he unwaveringly supported the slaves of Haiti throughout their struggle for freedom.

The Pequot War is a classic example of the tension that existed between the Indians and the colonists in early America. Zinn chooses to illustrate the Indians as completely innocent and harmless, placing the blame on the Europeans, while Foner illustrates the Pequots as Indians capable of holding their own. According to Howard Zinn, the Pequot War was caused by the “murder of a white trader, Indian-kidnapper, and troublemaker became an excuse to make war” (Zinn 14). Zinn’s bias is clear when he claims that this murder was an excuse, which makes it seem as though the Puritans couldn’t wait to murder a bunch of Pequots. This contributes towards making the Puritans look greedy and selfish. Foner, on the other hand, claims that “the turning point came in 1637 when a fur trader was killed by Pequots- a powerful tribe who controlled southern New England’s fur trade and exacted tribute from other Indians” (Foner 78).

The Native Americans suffered during the Louisiana purchase by having more of their land taken away. There were some tribes that the colonists did not interact with, thus with the expansion of territory, they began to find them as a problem. The government on a national level was trying to acquire even more land, they did so by

He is looked upon in a heroic way for fighting the justice system and showing courage, strength and ability to resist laws through making his own lifestyle, with separate beliefs, attitudes and values. He was a friend of the poor, kind to women and children, and an enemy of the rich. He was forced into crime by the harsh harassments of the authorities. He said to have died bravely against the more powerful forces of the law. He has grown to be an admired infamous figure for the way he stood up to authority and his larrikin ways.

They were taking their natural resources therefore a group of Aborigines launched a series of attack on the settlers.

“I am more convinced everyday that without a single exception I did right. And I have always believed that, as I have acted honestly, the time will come when the people of Canada will see and acknowledge it.”- Louis Riel. We believe that Louis Riel is innocent of treason. Also, 92% of the class believes that Louis Riel is innocent. Mr.Riel is an ambitious, daring, well educated, political leader, who is a proud leader of the Metis. First, he was protecting the Metis rights. Secondly, he was threatened by racism and the Canadian Party. Finally, he negotiated with the Canadian government to create Manitoba. As you see, Louis Riel is innocent of treason.

Riel decided to help the Métis out, hence became their main leader and spokesperson. He was prepared to speak for the Métis and defend their rights. Riel’s education, speaking ability, and father’s history made him an obvious leader for his people. In time, Riel became deeply involved in his struggle to improve the lives of the Métis People, and he was eventually seen as a visionary to them. He even spearheaded the Métis into having two rebellions against the government.

The first reason Louis Riel should be viewed as a hero is due to his noble acts at the Red River Settlement. Louis Riel continued to respect the English people despite their attempt at taking over his land. He allowed the English people to become part of the provisional government he created. He also, gave them an equal number of representatives even though they were in the minority. Furthermore, Louis Riel helped Manitoba to become a province and join the Confederation. That happened since if Louis Riel had never stopped the English people from taking over the Red River settlement, Manitoba would have never been formed. Louis Riel also sent Father Ritchot to Ottawa in order to discuss the creation of Manitoba with John A. Macdonald.

Indigenous people went through a lot from white brutality, alcoholism, the killing and driving off of game, and the expropriation of farmland, but all of these things added together explained the degree of their defeat.

The Canadian government was being deceitful towards the Mohawk peoples; they ignored their claims to the land and decided to build anyway. This was unjust act was bound to be followed by retaliation. Even after the crisis ended in September of 1990, one of the non-aboriginal locals stoned 75 cars that had aboriginal women, children, and elderly inside. This shows the hatred and disrespect for people who were just defending what was rightfully theirs. Cases like this one help to make Canadian's more aware of the current situation with the First Nations. It shows them how the government is and has been failing to treat the First Nations people fairly when it comes to their rights to the land.

Firstly, in Les Misérables Jean Valjean proved to be heroic, he stood up for the common good without hesitating. Valjean never did anything for recognition, instead he did it to help others who were in need. If everyone was heroic, people would be willing to sacrifice themselves for one another. This is good for the commonwealth because, if no one was willing to help each other out nothing would get accomplished. In the quote “Then without saying a word, he fell on his knees, and even before the crowd had time to utter a cry, he was under the cart” (60). This is when Jean Valjean steps in to save Fauchelevent because, Fauchelevent was getting by a cart. This shows heroism because, even if some people may not step in and help one another out.

Most martyrs unfortunately didn’t decide to become a hero or heroine because of an ability or skills set as a public speaker, leader / negotiator or activist, solely to encounter injustice, inequality or racism. Most martyrs probably contemplated and agonize long and hard over their role and involvement in movements, protest and rallies, struggled with the weight of understanding and finally submitting to their destiny. The anguish of destiny: realizing the target they might become, agonizing over the ridicule and scrutiny by an antagonist(s), and they, themselves might or might not ever know. Almost assuredly, become the victim of threats carried out against them and their families. Ironically! Most heroes don 't always feel settled in the position or role they may portray. Sometimes they feel inapt and inept for the position: somewhat awkward, uncomfortable, fearful and concealed pressures, unpreparedness, uninformed and position and mediator demands. This is so true! Sometimes working as a leader/ negotiator brings you to the table with more than one party, but often brings out multiple issues, problems and situations that need an answer. Everyone involved has an agenda, wanting their issues dealt with first and foremost, pushing for attention believed should be theirs. I understanding the fear of being thrust into leadership position; it’s was almost serendipitous in a way.