Devotion: Louis Riel Writes Home

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Zimmerman, C. A., "Louis Riel.”, 1874

( CU1107303) . Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

In 2022 the University of Calgary’s Libraries and Cultural Resources acquired an important collection of archival materials from the descendants of Louis Riel. A selection of personal artifacts from this collection is featured in the upcoming Nickle Galleries’ exhibition, Devotion: Louis Riel Writes Home.

"My respects and friendships to all our relatives and friends, do not forget any."(Louis Riel, writing to his mother Julie Riel on October 2, 1874)

The collection includes letters written by Louis Riel to his mother and siblings in Red River, a slim, worn notebook kept by Riel beginning in the 1870s, letters written by Riel family members and close associates, and a notebook containing a transcription of the courtroom address made by one of Riel’s defence lawyers, Charles Fitzpatrick, followed by Louis Riel’s defense speech.

A man of loyalty, devotion, and profound faith, Riel wrote home as often as he could. The exhibition suggests a man who was often homesick, worried for the well-being of his large family, and even when in exile was profoundly committed to the rights of the Métis people.

Organized by Nickle Galleries, Devotion: Louis Riel Writes Home is curated by Annie Murray, Rare Books and Special Collections Librarian, University of Calgary.