Ritchot's Resistance : Abbe Noel Joseph Ritchot and the creation and transformation of Manitoba

Abstract

The significance of Noel Joseph Ritchot, cure of St. Norbert from 1862 to 1905, has been noted by historians such as George F. Stanley and W.L. Morton. Passing references to Ritchot's importance as a close associate of Louis Riel in 1869, provide only a glimpse, however, of the priest's contribution to Manitoba's creation and subsequent transformation. The present study tells the story in fuller detail. The emphasis is on Ritchot's part in the Red River Resistance of 1869 and negotiation of the Manitoba Act in 1870, but a report of the priest's quest for the enforcement of the apparent settlement of the troubles at Red River concludes the work.