The Metis leader Louis Riel was a Canadian politician, a founder of the province of Manitoba, and a political and spiritual leader of the Metis people. He is often referred to as the 'Father of Manitoba'. Riel led two resistance movements against the Canadian government and its first post-Confederation prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. His first resistance was the Red River Rebellion of 1869–1870. The second resistance was the North-West Rebellion of 1885. Both resistances were motivated by Riel's desire to protect the rights and land of the Metis people. Riel was eventually captured and put on trial for high treason. He was convicted and hanged in 1885.