This abstract statue by sculptor Marcien Lemay, enclosed in a structure designed by architect Étienne Gaboury, was originally unveiled in 1973 on the south grounds of the Legislative Building. Its portrayal of the anguish and bondage of the Métis leader caused much controversy and, in 1991, it was replaced with a more traditional statue of Riel as a statesman. The St. Boniface College Students’ Association willingly accepted the monument as part of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the college. It was unveiled next to the St. Boniface College in November 1995.
Louis Riel Statue (June 2017)
Source: George Penner
Louis Riel Statue (December 2022)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.88937, W97.11927
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Marcien “Mars” Lemay (1926-2005)
Memorable Manitobans: Étienne-Joseph “Steve” Gaboury (1930-2022)
“Practical Results”: The Riel Statue Controversy at the Manitoba Legislative Building by Shannon Bower
Manitoba History, Number 42, Autumn / Winter 2001-2002Historic Sites of Manitoba: Louis Riel Statue (Assiniboine Avenue, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Louis Riel Statue (494 Avenue Taché, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: St. Boniface College / Universite de Saint-Boniface (200 Avenue de la Cathedrale, Winnipeg)
Information for this page was provided by The City of Winnipeg’s Planning, Property and Development Department, which acknowledges the contribution of the Government of Manitoba through its Heritage Grants Program.
We thank George Penner for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 19 December 2022
Historic Sites of Manitoba
This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only.
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Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | OtherInclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner.
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