Canadians are pushing for Louis Riel to be recognized as the first premier of Manitoba — and the idea is gaining traction.

Métis leader Louis Riel fought for Indigenous land rights in the nineteenth century before ultimately being hanged for leading an uprising against the Canadian government.

Manitoba observes Louis Riel Day annually on the third Monday in February.

Today is #LouisRielDay 🇨🇦
Today we celebrate the life and accomplishments of Métis revolutionary Louis Riel. A man who sacrificed almost everything to fight for indigenous rights. ✊ pic.twitter.com/nsdro2OHOn

— PIKTOL'I'A (she/her) ☭🖤☠️⚔️👽 (@piktolia_) February 17, 2020

This year, Canadians are celebrating Louis Riel Day by putting their support behind an NDP bill that would see the Métis politican  recognized as Manitoba's first premier.

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said, "Louis Riel was one of the first great Métis politicians who fought to protect the French language and the rights of minorities in Canada."

Singh added that he was proud to "recognize Louis Riel’s legacy" — and many Canadians are in agreement.

Happy Louis Riel Day!
Let’s pass the bill honour Riel as Manitoba’s first Premier. Jagmeet’s on board pic.twitter.com/S3YEJGBmwf

— Wab Kinew (@WabKinew) February 17, 2020

Some Canadians have pointed out that honouring Indigenous rights is more important than ever, in light of the Wet'suwet'en protests.

Know what Louis Riel would do on Louis Riel Day? He’d be in Wet’suwet’en yintah or on a CN rail blockade.
Louis Riel was a land and water defender. He stepped on the colonizer’s survey chain in 1869 and said “You go no further.”

— Maia Caron (@MaiaCaron) February 15, 2020

And some Canadians are even petitioning for Louis Riel to appear on Canada's new five-dollar bill.

I would like to see Métis leader Louis Riel on the $5 bill.

— Natasha Bates (@natasha367b) February 18, 2020

Louis Riel is already largely considered to be the founding father of Manitoba; he submitted the name "Manitoba" to the Canadian government in 1870.