Riel statue a 'disgrace'

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The Metis National Council (MNC) says it's about time Louis Riel's place in Canadian history was formally recognized.

"We feel Louis Riel has not got his just recognition in Canada," said MNC Executive-Director Ron Rivard.

"The history books have different views; some say traitor, some say hero. We feel he made a significant contribution to Confederation in Canada," Rivard said.

The issue is one of several the council hopes to raise in a fall meeting with Justice Minister Doug Lewis, who is also the minister responsible for Metis affairs.

Rivard said the council wants Riel named Manitoba's Father of Confederation.

"The Metis National Council has not formally made that request before."

He noted little came of earlier discussions in Parliament on the matter.

But the council intends to press the issue, he said.

"We're pushing that. That's one of the thins important to us," Rivard said.

He called a statue of Riel on the Saskatchewan legislative grounds hideous.

"It's not a very good likeness and under his coat, which is open to the public view is a full view of his genitals," he said.

"It's an embarrassment more than anything else," Rivard said.