Louis Riel; Hero Or Traitor Louis David Riel was a Metis man who was born in Saint Boniface, Winnipeg in 1844. Later on in his life Riel became a Canadian Politician and leader of the Metis people of the Canadian Prairies. At the end of the trial of Louis Riel, he became a founder of the province now known as Manitoba. Was Louis Riel a hero or a traitor? Louis Riel was a hero. On July 28, 1885 the trial of Louis Riel had started. Louis riel had risen up against the Canadian Government and spoke out. Riel wanted his people (the Metis) to be treated fairly by the Canadian Government. He wanted his people to be recognized. However most didn't see it that way. Louis Riel wasn't trying to cause any violence or grief. He just wanted the best for