July 2, 2021
RCMP Heritage Centre hosts “The Trial of Louis Riel” production this summer
REGINA (July 2, 2021) – The RCMP Heritage Centre today announced that it will be hosting a special production of John Coulter’s “The Trial of Louis Riel” for the play’s 55th Anniversary. Presented by RielCo Productions, there will be evening and matinee performances over six days in July and August. The play – a re-enactment of one of Canada’s most famous trials – is the longest continuously-running historical drama in North America.
“We are excited to partner with RielCo to present ‘The Trial of Louis Riel’ on the production’s 55th anniversary,” RCMP Heritage Centre Director of Operations and Events Scott Saxby said. “The Trial of Louis Riel was written as a Centennial project in 1967 by John Coulter and is based on the actual court transcripts of the 1885 trial of Louis Riel in here in Regina.”
Louis Riel is an historical Canadian figure whose name continues to stir up passionate debate 136 years after his death. Born in Saint-Boniface, Red River Settlement in 1844, Riel led two popular Métis governments, is considered the father of Manitoba, and was a central figure of the Red River and North-West resistances in 1870 and 1885 respectively. Riel was tried in Regina for high treason for his role in the 1885 Resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands. He was found guilty and executed at the North-West Mounted Police barracks (now RCMP Academy, Depot Division) on November 16, 1885. Once dismissed as a rebel, Riel is now considered a Canadian hero – a passionate and renowned Métis leader who spoke up and fought to protect his people from the Canadian government.
“After working diligently on this partnership over the last decade, we are delighted to present The Trial of Louis Riel at the RCMP Heritage Centre. We believe this opportunity offers one giant step forward on the path to reconciliation with our Indigenous and Métis brothers and sisters,” RielCo Productions Producer Peter Champagne said. Champagne has acted in the production for the past 25 years and has produced the play for the last 18 years.
The Centre will be hosting a series of matinee and evening performances on July 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, 31st and August 1st.
Show Times
MATINEE SHOWS – 2:00 PM: July 25, August 1
EVENING SHOWS – 7:30 PM: July 23, 24, 30, 31
Ticket Pricing
ADULT (18+): $25;
STUDENT (12-17, University): $15
CHILD (7-11): $10
6 & UNDER: Free
Tickets to the play can be purchased online at or in-person at Guest Services, RCMP Heritage Centre, 5907 Dewdney Avenue.
Please note: the production will only be presented in English.
For more information:
Jess Paul for the RCMP Heritage Centre, Cell: 306-529-0566, email: jess@blossomcomm.ca
About the RCMP Heritage Centre
The RCMP Heritage Centre is dedicated to sharing the story of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada’s national police force. Known informally as the “Mounties”, the Force is recognized the world over for its iconic dress uniform featuring the red serge tunic, Stetson hat, and high brown boots.
Guests of the RCMP Heritage Centre can experience both the historical and modern day stories of the RCMP through a variety of traditional and state-of-the-art exhibits, a virtual and augmented reality experiences, and live events. The Centre is located on the doorstep of RCMP Academy, “Depot” Division, where Mounties have trained since 1885. The Centre is operated by a non-profit organization. While it is not owned by the RCMP, it is supported by the RCMP’s Historical Collections Unit.
The RCMP Heritage Centre is located on Treaty 4 lands. Treaty 4 is home to the Cree, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota peoples, in addition to being the homeland of the Métis Nation.
About RielCo Productions
Saskatchewan-based RielCo Productions Inc. has produced the Trial of Louis Riel for audiences across Canada for the last 55 years.