Former Metis Leader Not In Favour Of Riel Pardon

Former Metis Leader Not In Favour Of Riel Pardon

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 13:20

A former leader of the Metis National Council says he is not interested in having a new debate about the legacy of Louis Riel.

Gerald Morin feels current efforts to exonerate the Metis leader’s name could actually distract people from the key causes facing grassroots Metis citizens.

Morin says the Metis continue to be a landless people and are currently shut out of most land claims.

He worries future debates about what Riel meant to the country could keep Metis from realizing the rights Riel fought and died for — because Canadians might get the mistaken impression that the Metis people have been dealt with.

Morin adds once the major issues have been addressed, then a debate over Riel’s legacy can be tackled.