A bell that is considered a symbol of the Metis people and their battle against the Canadian government is still missing in action.

Canadian soldiers took the Bell of Batoche from a church in Saskatchewan at the conclusion of the 1885 Northwest Rebellion. The bell hung in a legion hall in Ontario for more than a century until it mysteriously disappeared in 1991.

The bell's disappearance has been connected to a Metis leader, who says he doesn't know its present location. But another Metis leader said officials should take steps to ensure its safe return by promising not to prosecute people responsible for the missing item.

Louis Riel, a Metis leader of the rebellion, was convicted and hanged for treason 120 years ago. He is hailed as the founder of Manitoba.

Get the Story:
Mtis want Bell of Batoche to sound again (CBC 8/1)
Riel anniversary revives bell controversy (CBC 8/1)

Relevant Links:
Rethinking Riel, CBC News - http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-73-1482/politics_economy/louis_riel
Riel, Dumont, and the 1885 Rebellion - http://www.alittlehistory.com/Mt-Intro.htm

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Highest court in Can. sides with Metis people (09/22)