Louis Riel’s Present and Past
(Nikki Hashemian/RSJ)
A look at what Metis have done from the twentieth century and onward.
(Adele Lukusa/RSJ)
“The work that Louis Riel did, the sacrifice he made, the work some of which have been done, and some of which haven’t been done since his death has to be done now,” said NPP for Don Valley West, Kathleen Wynne.
“It would have been better for it to have been done a hundred years ago, but the second best time for it to be done is right now.”
On Friday morning, people gathered in Queen’s Park to commemorate Louis Riel’s life and legacy. On the anniversary of Riel’s execution, November 16, Canada celebrates Louis Riel Day.
The ceremony was held by the Metis Nation of Ontario. The president, Margaret Froh was there to helped raise the Metis flag to begin the event. In an opening prayer from Metis Nation of Ontario Senator, Ray Bergie discussed the contributions of Riel and the importance of his execution back in 1885.
“It’s a solemn day of commemoration for a man who paid the ultimate price for his efforts to secure justice for the many people and to protect their way of life.”
The Legacy
Louis Riel is known for leading the Metis through the resistance of the Canadian government. For bringing English settlers from Ontario to take over the lands of Metis communities.
Riel made a List of Rights for the Metis people and presented it to the Canadian government. The Manitoba Act was successful and as of July in 1870 it became a province.
In later years Metis lost their land and the government didn’t acknowledge the act, so Riel lead rebellions against the Canadian government.
Riel was charged with treason and sentenced to death in 1885 for the rebellions he lead and the execution of Thomas Scott a formidable protestant.
Louis Riel Day 2018
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines explained the brave leader was a visionary whose spirit reflected in the vibrancy, the strength, and resilience to the Metis nation today.
“Despite his life ending today years ago, Riel’s legacy continues to inspire the Metis nation for nearly a century and a half.”
Sol Mamakwa, is serving the Ontario legislative for the first time. He is the NDP critic Indigenous relations and reconciliation.
Mamakwa described himself as being, “land based” growing up in a Cree community, he spent his childhood hunting and fishing.
He said reconciliation is not currently apart of the governments agenda, and he can see that happening when they talk about policy in the house, but he is here to protect the rights of Indigenous people across Ontario.
Mamakwa talked about working in the house is challenging at times but Louis Riel was challenged in similar ways as well.
“He worked very hard to protect the rights of his people. Preserving the culture, territorial rights of the Metis were the central part of his work.”
“I realize he is a very true hero. Someone who I also admire. We have many important people past and present who have fought for our rights of Indigenous peoples and Louis Riel is one of them.”
As Louis Riel once said, “We the Metis must cherish our inheritance, we must preserve our nationality for the youth of our future.”
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