Social Studies
Louis Riel
Poster (
810 KB)
Louis Riel was a passionate Métis leader. He was the driving force behind Manitoba becoming Canada’s fifth province and joining confederation. Louis Riel’s dream of a province that embraces all cultures is still shared by Manitobans today.
On December 7, 2023, The Louis Riel Act received Royal Assent, bestowing the honorary title of First Premier of Manitoba on Louis Riel. To highlight this important event, Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning is pleased to share this poster.
As part of this Act, the department will be updating some Social Studies learning outcomes to include the significant contributions of Louis Riel to Manitoba and to Canada and an acknowledgement of his honorary title. When these revisions are completed, a communication will be sent to school divisions and schools.
Celebrate Louis Riel Day!
Following are some suggestions on how you can celebrate Louis Riel Day in your classroom:
- Read books and conduct research online
- Create and display artwork
- Dance, sing, or listen to the music of the time
- Perform or attend a play about Louis Riel
- Hold an assembly or participate in a community event
- Present papers and debate issues
- Map Louis Riel's travels
- Develop timelines of events
- Tour historic sites and museums
- Explore your own ideas
Bibliography
Louis Riel and the Métis People ( 175 KB)
This bibliography lists books, DVDs, videocassettes, other audiovisual resources, and websites that will assist educators in promoting an awareness of the importance of Louis Riel and the Métis people to Manitoba culture and history.
Social Studies Outcomes
Curriculum in Manitoba offers many opportunities to focus on Louis Riel and his significance in Manitoba History. Social studies, English language arts, and the arts (art, music, drama and dance) are particularly suited to engaging in learning about the Father of Manitoba. Listed are specific learning outcomes for social studies that relate to teaching about Louis Riel, or related history.
Archives of Manitoba and Legislative Library — Selected Manitoba Resources
Much can be learned about Louis Riel and his role in Canadian history through the original records held at the Archives of Manitoba and publications held by the Manitoba Legislative Library.
- Selected Louis Riel Records and Publications ( 27 KB)
- Selected Archival Images and Historical Resources Print Material
More information is available on the Manitoba Archives website or by Contacting their office at 204-945-3971.
