Mint issues silver dollar to honour Louis Riel

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This article was published 22/10/2019 (2363 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On Louis Riel’s 175th birthday, the Royal Canadian Mint has gifted the country with a silver dollar bearing the likeness of Manitoba’s founder — the first piece of Canadian currency engraved with English, French and Michif languages.

Designed by Métis artist David Garneau, the limited-edition coin features a portrait of Riel in a traditional buckskin coat trimmed with fur, framed inside a Coventry sash in the shape of an infinity sign. Each edition of the coin bears three translations of “Métis Nation Leader,” including one in the official Métis language.

“They hanged him to silence him, to silence the West and to shut the Métis Nation down, but he did not show an ounce of fear when he walked into the gallows… This is what you call a man who deserves to be recognized, who deserves to be honoured by not just by us — by every Manitoban, by every Canadian,” said David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), during the unveiling ceremony at Winnipeg’s Fort Garry Hotel.

Riel was born Oct. 22, 1844, in the Red River Settlement. In his short lifetime, he headed both the Red River and Northwest resistances to protect his people, their culture and land rights.

Although he led the provisional government that looped Manitoba into Confederation in 1870, Riel’s order to execute pro-Canada annexation agitator Thomas Scott led to his exile. As well, the Métis leader was deemed a traitor by many — a title that has largely been lifted today. In its place, he has become a figure who championed minority rights.

“With vision and courage, Riel took the stand for the rights of his people and led the negotiations of the 1870 Manitoba Act that brought our province into existence and made the Métis people partners in the (ongoing) project that is confederation,” said Tom Roche, senior director of manufacturing at the mint in Winnipeg.

Riel was found guilty of high treason and hanged in Regina at the age of 41.

The Regina-based artist behind the coin, Garneau, said he wasn’t allowed to insert any secret messages, including a trim of rope he hoped to include to symbolize a noose. “In the end, it’s a rather beautiful, but rather conservative item — as it needs to be,” he told the Free Press.

The project was one year in the making, Garneau said, adding Riel’s pensive expression appears different depending on how the coin is angled.

The final design was unveiled at the MMF’s annual celebration of Riel’s life, across the river from the Métis leader’s burial site at Saint Boniface Cathedral cemetery.

Tuesday’s event began with elder Verna Demontigny offering a prayer to commemorate Riel, in front of a room filled with people dressed in traditional sashes and adorning Métis floral beadwork.

Chartrand spoke about the importance of retelling Riel’s story, and the ongoing work necessary to fulfil Riel’s dream of equality for all Métis people.

The MMF president said he wants to see Riel recognized in Ottawa with a statue in Parliament. As well, the MMF will continue to pursue title for the 1.4 million acres of land Métis children were promised in the 1870 Manitoba Act.

The MMF plans to buy 3,000 of the 15,000 Riel coins being produced as future gifts.

The Riel silver dollar will be available for $59.95 each at the Royal Canadian Mint.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie