Possessing all Louis Riel artifacts would help Mtis own their story: law student

You know the old saying: to the victor goes the spoils.

Well, that's no longer going to cut it for Jesse Donovan not in the current age of reconciliation.

Donovan, a third-year University of Saskatchewan Mtis law student,is advocating for the return of all items that once belonged to or are historically associated withMtisleader Louis Riel.

Donovan joined CBC Radio's The Afternoon Edition this week to elaborate on his cause. He mentioned artifacts, including Louis Riel's possessions, whichhe sayswere stolen during the Red River resistance.

Q: Are there some artifacts in particular that you know about somewhere and you'd like to find?

A: There have been reports of Louis Riel's handcuffs, a lock of his hair. Another item that we've been advocating for the return of is his walking stick which is now held by the Manitoba Museum.

Q: The RCMP have recently agreed to return some items they had in their collection. What was your reaction to that?

A: It's a great step forward. The RCMP [agreed to return]Louis Riel's crucifix, his knife, his book of poetry. These items are still held by the RCMP but they will be returned to the Mtisin 2018 when the Mtis Heritage Centre will be constructed in Winnipeg.

Q: Does the RCMP have more?

A: It has more general Mtis items: some beaded artwork, some clothing and moccasins as well. So, those I believe should be returned along with Louis Riel's artifacts.

Q: Would you want items like Riel's noose?

A: It's a question that the Mtis community has to consider. And there are quite a few horrific items out there such as the noose that killed Louis Riel and the handcuffs used to restrain him.

I think it's important for us to have these items so that we can tell our story in our own way. If the RCMP or any Canadian institution continues to own these items, then the story is told of the Mtis as a conquered people ratherthan a living, breathing nation seeking self-determination.

Q: What do you say to those who would argue that the resistance of 1885, regardless of what we call it, was essentially a small [war],buta war, and to the victor goes the spoils?

A: It's an argument that rings hollow in an era of reconciliation. Canada would be in violation of international law if it holds on to these artifacts and it would be in breach of its own promises to reconcile with the Mtis.

Q: If people out there are in charge of an artifact or have an artifact that belong to Riel or GabrielDumont, for that matter, any of the Mtis leaders of the time, what would you say to them to convince them that those items should be returned to the Mtis people?

A: I would say that they immediately and proactively need to identify the items that may have been stolen from the Mtis and they need to get in touch with the Mtis people immediately. The possessions of these items won't be kept in the dark. We will find who owns them and we will advocate for their return. So I recommend, solve the issue before it becomes a fierce debate.

Q: If somebody just happens to be in possession of one of these artifacts, what should they do?

A: They should contact the Manitoba Mtis Federation. The MMF will be in charge of the Mtis Heritage Center. They can organize a safe storage space for these items until the museum is built.