Lisa Scott
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 30/03) - Local students gave Louis Riel another chance to defend himself before a judge in City Hall chambers on Tuesday.

The Grade 10 students were given a unique opportunity to re-enact Canadian history on Tuesday, complete with cowboy hats and moccasins! They had to take the stand and face intense grilling from the prosecution and defence, armed with their research and knowledge of Riel's story.

Louis Riel, a Catholic, was the leader of the short-lived 1885 Rebellion of the Metis against the Canadian government. He was hanged for treason after a Protestant jury found him guilty and sentenced him to death.

Susan Baines played the hard-hitting defence lawyer for Riel and enjoys the humanities course at St. Patrick because "it's more hands-on than regular courses.

Because it's two semesters, its double the fun!"

Teacher Sara McGarry said "bringing history to life is an excellent way for students to learn...role playing allows them to learn more than they would from a textbook."

The trial proceeded smoothly, with just a few giggling interruptions from the crowd as the clerk fidgeted with her 19th century dress.

The verdict from the jury? Riel was voted not guilty and gained a new lease on life!