The article profiles 19th century Manitoba resident and hotelier Zepherin Laporte. According to the article, Laporte supported Canadian rebel and activist Louis Riel and Riel's efforts in the North West Territories. The article discusses Laporte's actions following Riel's capture and his opposition to Riel's execution, Laporte's operation of the Hotel du Canada, and Laporte's association with Métis leader Gabriel Dumont.