Monday, November 16, 2009

"Alors, allez au ciel!"

Today marks the 124th anniversary of the hanging of Louis Riel. Metis leader, founder of Manitoba and leader of both the Red River and Northwest Rebellions, Riel is one of Canada's most fascinating, inspiring, and controversial figures. A traitor to some, a folk hero to many, to me Riel is an inspiration. My trip in May of 2006 to Batoche, Saskachewan where Riel forged a community and led a resistance remains one of my most inspiring and spiritual travels. Virtually unknown to Americans, Riel spent several years in exile in the Montana territory where he married and fathered two children. Alors, allez au ciel Louis! Your spirit still blows across the barren prairies and northern forests touching souls from coast to coast.

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