Which demographic saw Riel as a hero and leader during the conflicts of his time?

Riel was seen as a hero and leader primarily by the Métis people during the conflicts of his time, particularly during the Red River and North-West Rebellions. The Métis, who are of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, faced significant challenges regarding land rights, governance, and cultural recognition as settlers moved into their territories. Riel emerged as a prominent figure who advocated for their rights and sought to protect their way of life.

His leadership during the creation of the Métis Provisional Government and his efforts to negotiate for Métis rights and land land, especially in the Red River Settlement, endeared him to the Métis people. Riel was viewed as a champion of their causes, striving to ensure their voices were heard in the face of encroaching Canadian Confederation and expanding settler communities. His legacy as a defender of Métis rights and identity solidified his status as a hero among these communities, making this demographic the primary group that identified with him as a leader during these historical conflicts.