Louis Riel: Father of Manitoba - Special Edition Proof Silver Dollar (2019)

In issuing the 2019 Special Edition Proof Dollar, the Royal Canadian Mint acknowledges, honours and celebrates the unique history of the Métis Nation. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to President Clément Chartier of the Métis National Council, President David Chartrand of the Manitoba Metis Federation, and Mr. Norman Fleury, for their guidance and collaboration in this tale of two nations whose histories are intertwined.

This year's special edition proof dollar highlights the contributions of Louis Riel (1844-1885), and those of the Métis Nation, to the story of Canada. A defender of Métis rights and a catalyst for change, Louis Riel was born 175 years ago in Saint-Boniface, in the province he later founded. In fact, it was 150 years ago that the National Committee led by Riel drafted an initial list of rights for the Métis Nation—a declaration in which land claims and language rights were preconditions to Manitoba's entry into Confederation.

This coin, which commemorates Louis Riel's place in history, is a celebration of the cultural legacy of the Métis Nation and its resilience. The struggles of the past haven't disappeared; they continue to echo through generations. There is hope, however, through the acknowledgement of Canada's troubled history and in the recognition of a founding people's sacrifices.

• FIRST APPEARANCE ON A CANADIAN COIN: This is the first Canadian legal tender coin to feature Métis Nation leader Louis Riel (1844-1885), and the first to feature the Michif language.
• CELEBRATE MÉTIS HISTORY AND CULTURE THROUGH ART: From the looped form of the Métis sash to the beaded coat, this inspiring design seamlessly fuses art, symbolism and history. This is the firs collaboration between the Royal Canadian Mint and artist David Garneau.
• ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR ANNUAL OFFERINGS: A favourite with collectors, the Special Edition Proof Dollar is one of our most popular annual offerings.
• TWO NATIONS, THREE LANGUAGES: The design includes Louis Riel's title in three different languages: Michif (the language of the Métis Nation), English, and French. While English and French are in keeping with Canada's official languages, both languages were also given official status in the Manitoba Act of 1870—as negotiated by Louis Riel.
• A HISTORIC SIGNATURE: Your coin also includes an engraved reproduction of Louis Riel's signature.
• SERIALIZED CERTIFICATE: Your coin includes a serialized certificate!
• PURE SILVER: Your coin is crafted from 99.99% pure silver.
• NO GST/HST

Louis Riel was born on 22 October 1844 in Saint-Boniface, in present-day Manitoba. During the Red River Resistance of 1869-1870, the Provisional Government of Assiniboia (under Riel's leadership) negotiated Manitoba's entry into Confederation, which was contingent on the recognition of Métis rights and land claims. While the Manitoba Act became law in 1870, the execution of Thomas Scott cast a pall over the provisional government and Riel was forced into exile. He returned to Batoche (Saskatchewan) to lead a second armed resistance movement, the 1885Northwest Resistance, which ended in defeat against federal troops. He was charged with high treason and hanged on 16 November 1885. Today, Riel is remembered as a champion of Métis nationhood and rights, and since 1992, the founding father of Manitoba.

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.

Order yours today!