In the short time before the semester changed, my PLP 9 class dove into the study of an important individual in Canadian history; Louis Riel. Now, I’m somewhat of a history hater, so when the project was first announced, I was disappointed. I have never felt any interest in historical events such as World Wars or ancient civilizations like my peers, so I was counting on this particular assignment to bore me. Yet, at this moment in time, reflecting on “Let’s Get Riel”, I feel more connected to my country’s past. However, if you aren’t familiar with this Métis legend, let me indulge you in his story, so sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy as I share with you a retelling of Louis Riel and his portrayal in history through my eyes.
For this assignment, we had to create a multi-paragraph composition based on our driving question, “How has the portrayal of Louis Riel changed over time?”. He was portrayed as many different things, but the evolution in itself reminded me of the power of perspective. History is not a fixed entity; it is subjective, shaped by the viewpoints and biases of those who record it. What we believe to be true today may be challenged and reevaluated in the future. It made me realize that our understanding of the past can never be fully comprehensive or objective. Growing up, I was taught a simplified version of history, where the heroes and villains were clearly defined. But as I delved deeper into Riel’s story, I realized that reality is far more complex. The struggles faced by the Métis people were not black and white; they were multifaceted and intertwined with issues of identity, land rights, and cultural preservation. In a way, studying the life of Louis Riel challenged me to question my own assumptions and preconceived notions. It made me realize that history is not just a static collection of dates and events; it is a living, breathing entity that continues to shape the present.
While I’ve discussed a lot about his story and my thoughts on it, I haven’t talked much about the actual composition. This project was very challenging for me, as I couldn’t put my opinion into it. I’m usually a very opinionated person, you could ask anyone I know, so having to write a piece of literature while staying completely impartial was hard. I wrote drafts and drafts, each one different yet not meeting my personal expectations. Then something clicked, and I knew how I had to write. I wrote like someone who just knew the facts, the evidence given to them, like I knew nothing other than the impartial truth. And after revisions from myself and the teaches, I had a finished product that I was proud of.
So, is this real life, or is it just fantasy? Perhaps it’s a bit of both. The study of Louis Riel allowed me to step out of my historical apathy and explore the vibrant and often untold stories that shaped our nation. It reminded me that history is not just a subject to be endured; it is a lens through which we can better understand ourselves and our country.