SASK. — Several events were organized on Tuesday to honour the legacy of Canadian politician and Métis people leader Louis Riel, to coincide with the 136th year anniversary of Riel’s execution in Regina.
Riel led two popular Métis governments, was a central figure in Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, and led the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands, which led to his execution.
Riel is widely considered the most famous Métis leader and an important figurehead for Métis people in Western Canada.
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan president Glen McCallum said Métis citizens always look forward to Louis Riel Day as a way to celebrate and remember his leadership.
“We continue the commitment to the rights of our Métis citizens and the ultimate sacrifice our leader Riel made for our Nation,” said McCallum. “It is encouraging to see more people in Saskatchewan know about the history of Riel's leadership, his accomplishments, and our unique and distinct Métis identity, culture, values, and language.”
Saskatchewan RCMP headquarters in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert honoured Louis Riel Day on Nov. 16 with flag raising events, featuring the Métis national anthem, prayer, music and words from Métis leaders.
RCMP representatives and Métis guests exchanged gifts at each ceremony, including traditional tea, jam, blankets and a Metis sash.
Wedy Gervias, Métis Nation – Saskatchewan regional director for Region 3 and guest at the Regina event, said that the ceremonies were a welcome inclusion on the continued path of reconciliation.
“It’s a real honour to be standing here, to be continuing this relationship with the RCMP. Because we’ve had our struggles in the past. And we’ve acknowledged those struggles,” said Gervais. “We’ve acknowledged that true Reconciliation is not about pointing fingers, it’s about working together. It’s about making this province, our communities a much better and stronger place to live.”
In all three locations, the Métis Nation flag was raised to replace the Saskatchewan RCMP insignia, to fly alongside the Canada and Saskatchewan flags.
In Prince Albert, the moment was an important one for both the Métis community and the RCMP, said staff sergeant Brian Kelly, who works in Indigenous Policing Services with the RCMP.
“The Prince Albert area, where the battles of Batoche and Duck Lake were fought, is rich with Métis Nation and NWMP history,” said Kelly. “For this reason, the raising of the Métis Nation flag for the first time in front the Prince Albert RCMP Support Services Building is a particularly meaningful event for all of us.”
In Saskatoon, several other events, both virtual and in-person, offered the public a chance to celebrate the day.
“Louis Riel was an influential leader who shaped the story of our country from right here in Saskatchewan,” said Saskatoon mayor Charlie Clark. “Today is a chance to reflect on this history and understand the important role the Métis community has played—and continues to play—in both our city and our country.”
Many attended a gathering at the statue of Gabriel Dumont, a renowned Métis leader from Saskatchewan and close friend of Riel, near the Broadway Bridge to honour Métis heritage in the morning.
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan and several partners also held a Zoom celebration, and the Gabriel Dumont Institute threw a Virtual Riel Day Celebration in the evening, in addition to a pre-recorded video titled “A Conversation on Louis Riel” shared on Nov. 15.
- with files from Larissa Kurz, Saskatchewan RCMP
