By Canadian Press

Manitoba NDP seek honorary premier title for Louis Riel

Dec 5, 2019 | 3:14 PM

WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s Opposition wants to give the title of honorary first premier to Metis leader Louis Riel.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew has put forward a private member’s bill that would bestow the title and require Riel’s contributions be part of the school curriculum.

Riel is widely celebrated in Manitoba for leading a provisional government and paving the way for the province’s entry into Confederation in the 19th century.

There is a large statue of Riel behind the legislature and the Royal Canadian Mint issued a new coin in October that features his portrait.

Riel was central to the Red River and North-West resistances to assert Indigenous rights, and was hanged in Saskatchewan in 1885 for treason.

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Kinew’s bill would need government support to become law and it’s not expected to come to a vote before March.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2019.

The Canadian Press