Riel’s ‘hero status’

Re: “Hero or traitor,” David Akin, Nov. 18, 2010.

I wonder if MP Peter Goldring would be so quick to denounce the elevation of Metis leader Louis Riel to hero status were we on the eve of an election and Goldring’s riding top-heavy with voters of Metis ancestry? Who knows, perhaps his reaction might be more muted?

But I hope not. We need vigorous debate of all kinds of issues, including historical questions.

For me, I’d like to see Riel’s lieutenant, Gabriel Dumont, get more popular attention. Now there’s a fascinating life story, one that could be turned into a great film.

Orest Slepokura

Momentum to pardon Riel is building.