Louis Riel exhibition on November 15th in Calgary

This week, Calgarians can visit the Confluence Historic Site to take a look at the life of one of Canada’s most notorious rebels.

On November 15, the facility will host “Revealing Riel,” a day-long event showcasing a collection of personal items that once belonged to Louis Riel, the Métis leader who was convicted of treason and later executed.

The exhibition features letters between Riel and his close family members, his personal diary and a written account of the trial at which he was executed on November 16, 1885.

All items are on loan from the University of Calgary Archives and Special Collections, while the event itself is presented by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

The event coincides with Alberta Métis Week and officials say it offers guests an opportunity to engage with Métis history.

“The exhibition promotes understanding and empathy and highlights the critical role of the Métis people in Canadian history,” said Carmen Lasanté, district captain of the Calgary Elbow Métis District.

“It also sparks important discussions about identity, rights and the promising future of Métis communities.”

According to Confluence, entry to the exhibition and cultural center is free so everyone can visit.

“Our nation’s history is made up of countless stories told from diverse perspectives,” said Jennifer Thompson, President of Confluence.

“One way Confluence can help strengthen understanding of our identity is by creating an accessible space to hear important voices that have not necessarily previously been part of the dominant narrative.”

Portrait of Louis Riel. (CP PHOTO) 1999 (National Archives of Canada)

The day will also feature a lecture by Dr. Craig Ginn, associate professor in the U of C Department of Classics, and additional information about Métis culture includes.

It will be held at Confluence Historic Site and Parkland, 750 Ninth Avenue SE, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m