History

Louis David Riel has been made a folk hero by the Francophone, the Catholic nationalists, the Native rights movement, and the New Left student movement. Riel has received more scholarly attention than practically any other figure in Canadian history.
The trial of Louis Riel was one of the biggest spectacles in Canadian history. The trial of Louis Riel lasted four days in July 1885.
The leader of the North West Rebellion addressed the court in Regina, listing the Métis grievances and outlining his vision for a diverse Canada.
Historical! - John Coulter’s play is based on official trial transcripts
Dramatic! - Live performers Re-enact the 1885 Trial of Louis Riel
Controversial! - Land Rights, Language, Race, Religion, and Justice are Central Topics in the Play’s Dialogue
Re-creation of Canada's Most Famous Trial
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A Centennial Project written in 1967
by John Coulter
Produced by
RielCo Productions
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Experience the momentous trial that changed Western Canada Forever!
The RCMP Heritage Centre is once again proud to host The Trial of Louis Riel in its 57th year. This production is the longest continuously running historical drama in North America. A historic moment in time and is a piece of utmost importance to Canada’s history, of which the Centre wishes to offer the opportunity to share with Regina and surrounding communities.
“I will perhaps be one day acknowledged as more
than a leader of the half-breeds, and if I am I will have
an opportunity of being acknowledged as a leader of good in this great country.”
Louis Riel’s address to the jury, 1885

Mark Claxton stars in the 57th stage production of The Trial of Louis Riel.
Mark Claxton is a theatre artist, film actor, and writer based on Treaty 4 territory in Regina. This is his third foray with the Trial of Louis Riel team, and he is honoured and humbled to be taking on the role of Louis Riel. As a descendant of English and Irish settlers, Mark freely acknowledges that he has benefited enormously throughout his life from a system that has excluded, oppressed, and harmed this land’s Indigenous peoples. As he seeks ways to build reconciling relationships and be an active ally with First Nations and Métis friends, he hopes his portrayal of this great son of the North-West will do justice to Riel’s memory.
Mark Claxton
The cast and crew of The Trial of Louis Riel invite all people to support this important historical and heritage production by attending the performance with friends and family!
NOTICE
PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES. No picture taking of any kind is allowed during the performance. After the performance, everyone is invited to ask questions and take pictures of the actors.
