Why do we celebrate Louis Riel Day?
Since 1993 people in Ontario have commemorated all that Louis Riel has done for the Métis Nation
By: Sam Harley
The 133rd year after the hanging of Louis Riel, brought people together to speak on his accomplishments and historical significance at Queen’s Park, Toronto on Friday.
This 25th celebration commemorates the accomplishments of the founder of Manitoba, Louis Riel, a man who dedicated his life fighting for Métis nations’ place in the confederation.
Watch a short video of the Louis Riel Day ceremony events at Queen’s Park in Toronto. (RSJ/Manus Hopkins)
President of Métis Nations Ontario, Margaret Froh, was one of the key speakers at the celebration. She shared her personal thoughts of Louis Riel day, and why it is important, and said, “For me it’s about the strengths and resilience of our people and the strength to fight for our rights.”
Froh said that Riel was a strong fighter for the rights of the Métis people, and this day should be celebrated because “it’s important to celebrate what we’ve done [to commemorate Riel] however there’s a lot more that we can do.”
The ceremony had upwards of ten speakers all talking on why Louis Riel Day is an important day to be celebrated by citizens of Toronto.
Louis Riel Day first started unofficially in 1993, according to the Métis Nation of Ontario website. This was the first time that groups came together in Ontario to discuss the sacrifices made by Riel.
Then, in 2007, Manitoba launched a campaign to officially commemorate this historical figure in Manitoba’s history.
‘They were a resistance not a rebellion’
Jean Teillet, the great grand niece of Louis Riel’s brother, Joseph Riel, was present at the ceremony. She explained the history behind Louis Riel as a leader and politician. She said that Joseph Riel took care of his brother’s wife and children while he was leading negotiations for Manitoba’s entry into Canada and Métis people to be fairly represented and respected in Canada.
Teillet also explained the importance of word use when referring to the Riel family. She said“they were never a rebellion. They were a resistance.” The word rebellion implies that there was a desire or thought to overthrow a government which, according to Teillet, “never happened.”
“They tried to negotiate way into canada in 1869 and 1870,” Teillet said. “In 1885 they were protecting their lands.” This is referring to the Métis people protecting land from colonization.
Louis Riel created a provisional government which, according to their website is, “the basis of the negotiations leading to the entry of Manitoba.” The website also says that, “Riel’s provisional government’s goal was to manage the settlers’ lives and protect their material goods.”
‘133rd anniversary of Louis Riel’s hanging’
Paul Robitaille, the Youth Representative on the Métis Nations of Ontario Thunder Bay Métis Council, provided necessary insight into the history of how Louis Riel’s work affected the Toronto we know today.
Robitaille quoted Riel from 1885 and said, “I am more convinced without a single exception I did right and I can be honest that the time will come and the people of Canada will acknowledge it.”
The representative continued by saying that on the 133rd anniversary of Louis Riel’s hanging, “we must cherish our inheritance we must preserve our nationality for the youth of our future.”
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