Sara Riel

Sara Riel was the first Métis Grey Nun from Red River. She is best known as the sister of Métis leader Louis Riel. Born in 1848 in the Red River settlement to parents Jean-Louis Riel and Julie Lagimodière, she was raised in a religious household. Where she was educated by Sisters of Charity of Montreal but also by her mother, who was dedicated to the Christian faith. She was inspired to become a nun after her brother Louis Riel entered the seminary to become a priest. Although Louis did not become a priest, Sara actively took her Solemn vows in 1868. She taught languages and arts at the Grey Nuns boarding schools between 1868 and 1871, after which she became a Catholic missionary. Her family were active members in the Red River community right up to the Métis resistance. Although separated from her family, her writings showed a sympathetic view towards the resistance. Given that her brother was leading the rebellion against the government, in 1869 the congregation feared for her safety and she was moved several times within a few years. Even though she took no active part in the rebellion, she provided support to her brother and acted on behalf of the Métis to local Catholic Churches. In 1871 she became the first Métis missionary from Red River and travelled to Île-à-la-Crosse in northern Saskatchewan. In 1872 Sara Riel was taken ill and almost died, after claiming a vision from God, Sara Riel changed her name to ‘Sister Marguerite-Marie of Alacoque’ and re-honoured her vows and commitment to the Catholic Church. She died of tuberculosis in 1884 at the age of 35.