Métis Across the Homeland Commemorate Louis Riel Day, Monday November 16, 2009

Toronto, ON - November 16, 2009 --- Today the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) will join other provincial Métis governments from across the Métis Homeland in commemorating Louis Riel. The Métis leader was executed by the Canadian Government on November 16, 1885 for leading the Northwest Rebellion.

“Today is a solemn day of commemoration for a man who paid the ultimate price in attempting to secure justice for Métis people and protect their way of life,” said Gary Lipinski, MNO President. “While Riel’s fight for justice on the battlefield is perhaps most remembered, it is also important to recognize the political gains he made through the establishment of a Provisional Government in Manitoba.”

Riel’s success in negotiating Manitoba into Confederation and the protection of minority language rights laid the groundwork for his vision of a Canada that included the Métis Nation and protected Métis rights. “All Canadians have benefitted from Louis Riel’s efforts to secure and affirm Métis rights in Canada,” President Lipinski added.

In Toronto, the Honourable Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs will join President Lipinski for a flag raising ceremony at Queen’s Park before marching with Métis Veterans, Elders and a Legion Honour Guard to the Northwest Rebellion Monument for a Ceremony of Commemoration. A Feast at the Native Canadian Centre will follow the laying of a wreath and a moment of silence.

“Today, it is important to remember Riel’s struggle to ensure the recognition of Métis rights. But it is also a time to reflect on the gains we as Métis continue to make in the area of rights recognition and assertion here in Ontario,” said France Picotte, MNO Chair. “Our relationship with the province of Ontario continues to develop in a positive way as we move toward reconciliation by building on the MNO- Ontario Framework Agreement signed one year ago in Toronto.”

Once again this year, as it has done for the past several years, the City of Toronto has proclaimed November 16 "Louis Riel Day” in recognition of the Métis leader who was executed for being a persistent advocate for the rights of the Métis people and a symbol of native independence.

The City of Ottawa will issue a similar proclaimation there. This afternoon, local MNO citizens will join dignitaries for the raising of the Métis flag at the Ottawa City Police station. Events are also planned for Thunder Bay, Oshawa, St. Catherines and Sault Ste Marie.

For more information check out our website at www.metisnation.org or contact Janet Leader, MNO Communications at 613-498-1488, ext. 108 or janetl@metisnation.org.

Click here for coverage of Riel Day 2008