Louis David Riel (22 October 1844 – 16 November 1885) is a Canadian politician, a founder of the province of Manitoba, and a political and spiritual leader of the Métis people of the Canadian prairies.

He leads two resistance movements against the Canadian government and its first post-Confederation Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.

Riel seeks to preserve Métis rights and culture as their homelands in the Northwest come progressively under the Canadian sphere of influence.

He is regarded by many as a Canadian folk hero today.

he first resistance is the Red River Rebellion of 1869–1870.

The provisional government established by Riel ultimately negotiates the terms under which the modern province of Manitoba enters the Canadian Confederation.

Riel is forced into exile in the United States as a result of the controversial execution of Thomas Scott during the rebellion.

Despite this, he is frequently referred to as the "Father of Manitoba".

While a fugitive, he is elected three times to the Canadian House of Commons, although he never assumes his seat.

During these years, he is frustrated by having to remain in exile despite his growing belief that he is a divinely chosen leader and prophet, a belief which will later resurface and influence his actions.

He marries in 1881 while in exile in Montana, and fathers three children.

Riel returns to what is now the province of Saskatchewan to represent Métis grievances to the Canadian government.

This resistance escalates into a military confrontation known as the North-West Rebellion of 1885.

It ends in his arrest, trial, and execution on a charge of high treason.

Riel is viewed sympathetically in Francophone regions of Canada, and his execution has a lasting influence on relations between the province of Quebec and English-speaking Canada.Whether seen as a Father of Confederation or a traitor, he remains one of the most complex, controversial, and ultimately tragic figures in the history of Canada.