A vigil in memory of Louis Riel was held in Regina on Nov. 16, the 125th anniversary of the Métis leader's death. (CBC)

People in Regina marked the 125th anniversary of Louis Riel's death on Tuesday with a vigil at the spot where the Métis leader was hanged.

At a grassy area at the RCMP grounds where the gallows once stood. a few dozen people came to pay their respects, many waving flags, carrying signs and wearing Métis sashes.

Riel, who led the Northwest and Red River rebellions, was put on trial in Regina for high treason. He was convicted and hanged on Nov. 16, 1885 at the age of 41.

Among those speaking at the vigil was Craig Quong, who is proud of his family connection to Riel and his fight for Métis rights.

Louis Riel is regarded as a folk hero by many for his defence of Métis rights and culture. (National Archives of Canada/Canadian Press)

"My great-great-great-grandfather sat on Louis Riel's council," said Quong.

"A lot of people said he was treasonous. He wasn't treasonous. It was standing up for your rights."

Russell Fayant said Manitoba sees Riel as a founding father and so should Canada.

"He contributed greatly to the discussion of western alienation and responsible government in the northwest," Fayant said. "His contribution goes far beyond the Métis community."

The federal NDP is working on a private member's bill to overturn Riel's conviction.

It would be one of many attempts to clear his name in a decades-long debate about Riel's place in history.