Louis Riel portrait updated to recognize Metis leader as first premier of Manitoba

A portrait of Louis Riel hanging in the provincial legislature now recognizes the Metis leader as Manitoba's first premier.

A portrait of Louis Riel hanging in the provincial legislature now recognizes the Metis leader as Manitoba's first premier.

Premier Wab Kinew and Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand unveiled the updated plaque below the portrait today, which is recognized as Louis Riel Day in the province.

Riel led a provisional government in what is now Manitoba and blazed the trail for the province to join Confederation in 1870.

The Riel portrait has been on the walls of the legislative building for many years but the plaque designated Riel as president.

Kinew's first legislation introduced after the NDP government came to power last year was to recognize Riel's role as the first premier.

Chartrand says it is a historic and important way to honour Riel and the contributions of the Metis of the Red River.

"We have been 153 years in waiting and advocating to correct this part of our history, and today we see the true title of Louis Riel further acknowledged," Chartrand said Monday.