Louis Riel and the Creation of Modern Canada: Mythic Discourse and the Postcolonial State

Front Cover
UNM Press, 2008 - Biography & Autobiography - 314 pages

Since he was tried and hanged for treason in November of 1885, Louis Riel has been the subject of more histories, biographies, novels, and poetry than any other figure in Canadian history. Politician, founder of Manitoba, and leader of the aboriginal Métis people, Riel led two resistance movements against the Canadian government: the Red River Uprising of 1869-70, and the North-West Rebellion of 1885, in defense of Métis and other minority rights.

Against the backdrop of these legendary uprisings, Jennifer Reid examines Riel's religious background, the mythic significance that has consciously been ascribed to him, and how these elements combined to influence Canada's search for a national identity. Reid's study provides a framework for rethinking the geopolitical significance of the modern Canadian state, the historic role of Confederation in establishing the country's collective self-image, and the narrative space through which Riel's voice speaks to these issues.

 

Contents

Chapter 1
1
Chapter 2
32
Chapter 3
72
Chapter 4
108
Chapter 5
159
Chapter 6
187
Chapter 7
202
Conclusion
241
Notes
249
Bibliography
289
Index
311
Copyright

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Louis Riel and the Creation of Modern Canada: Mythic Discourse and the ...
Jennifer Reid
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Common terms and phrases

Aboriginal American Anglophone appeared argued assumed attempt become began believed body British called Canada Catholic central century cited claimed collective colonial concerning Confederation constitutional country’s created creation critical cultural defining desire discourse distinct Dreams Dumont early economic emerged English English Canada established ethnic execution existence expressed fact federal federal government force foundation Francis French Canadian identity Indian instance interests issue kind lack land language later Louis Riel Macdonald Manitoba meaning Métis Morton myth National Dreams nationalist Native North North-West noted occurred period political population possible present province Quebec rebellion recognized Red River regarded region relation religious remained respect responsible result Riel’s sense Silver situation social society spite status structure subsequent suggested territory tion treaty trial ultimately United uprising vision western Winnipeg World writing wrote

About the author (2008)

Jennifer Reid is professor of religion at the University of Maine, Farmington. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Ottawa. She is the author of Myth, Symbol and Colonial Encounter, Worse Than Beasts: An Anatomy of Melancholy and the Literature of Travel in 17th and 18th Century England, as well as numerous articles in the history of religions. She edited the volume Religion and Global Culture: New Terrain in the Study of Religion.

Bibliographic information

TitleLouis Riel and the Creation of Modern Canada: Mythic Discourse and the Postcolonial State
Religions of the Americas series, ISSN 2688-8610
AuthorJennifer Reid
Editionillustrated
PublisherUNM Press, 2008
ISBN0826344151, 9780826344151
Length314 pages
Subjects ›  › 

Biography & Autobiography / Historical
History / Americas (North, Central, South, West Indies)
History / Canada / General
History / Canada / Post-Confederation (1867-)
History / Modern / General
History / North America
Political Science / Colonialism & Post-Colonialism
Political Science / World / Canadian
Social Science / Ethnic Studies / Canadian Studies
Social Science / Folklore & Mythology
  
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