Celebrating Louis Riel Day 2024: Events
This November, we invite Métis across Ontario to come together in honouring the courage and sacrifice of the visionary Métis leader, Louis Riel. The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is pleased to share a variety of events planned throughout the province to honor his legacy and celebrate Métis culture and community. Join us in reflecting on Riel’s enduring impact on Métis rights and identity, and his vision for a strong and vibrant future nation for all Métis people. How will you be honouring Louis Riel Day? Keep an eye on this page for more updates!
Wednesday, November 13
Law Society of Ontario – Louis Riel Day Event
5:30-7:30 [Online]
The Law Society of Ontario Louis Riel Day event will be happening on Zoom on November 13 from 5:30 PM – 7:30PM. This online event commemorates the life of Louis Riel, visionary Métis leader, while advancing reconciliation through education on Métis history and rights. This year’s guest speakers will examine Indigenous histories in Canadian law, featuring insights into landmark legal case R. v. Powley. For more about this event and registration see: https://lso.ca/news-events/events/events-2024/louis-riel-day.
Friday, November 15
MNO Healing and Wellness
5:30-6:30
MNO Healing and Wellness will be hosting its annual Louis Riel Day Pancake Dinner over Zoom from 5:30-6:30PM. While pancakes kits are no longer available, families can join in on the fun and online conversations at: https://www.metisnation.org/news/mno-holds-fourth-annual-virtual-louis-riel-day-pancake-dinner/
Oshawa Durham Region Métis Council
11AM
Please join the Oshawa Durham Region Métis Council for a Louis Riel Day flag raising and celebration at Oshawa City Hall (50 Centre St S.). The flag raising will be followed by a light lunch at 209 Dundas St E, Whitby and will include Louis Riel trivia and a small number of activity kits for participants.
Sault Ste Marie Campus, Algoma University
8AM-1:30PM
Algoma University invites all FNMI students and allies to attend a Louis Riel Day at the Sault Ste. Marie campus. A sunrise ceremony takes place at 8AM at the Fire Arbour (behind the East Wing) with light refreshments. At 11AM a flag raising will be held in front of Algoma University, followed by a drop in beading workshop at the Sasa Lounge (also known as SH312) at 11:30. Attendees are eligible to win a copy of The Marrow Thieves by attending the beading event and filling out a ballot!
Ottawa Region Métis Council
9AM
The Ottawa Region Métis Council (ORMC) will be having a Louis Riel Day flag raising ceremony at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W) at 9AM. After the ceremony, citizens are invited to the ORMC office (214 Montreal Road) for refreshments.
Saturday, November 16
The City of Toronto and Toronto York Region Métis Council
9:30AM-12PM
The City of Toronto will be hosting a Louis Riel Day flag-raising, a pancake brunch, and cultural programming at City Hall at 9:30AM-12PM on November 16, 2024. This annual event offers a unique chance for local leadership, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and Métis citizens to gather, connect, and learn about Métis culture and history. Stay tuned for more information!
Thunder Bay Métis Council
1-3PM
Thunder Bay Métis Council is hosting a Community Feast and Celebration for Louis Riel Day on November 16, 2024 from 1-3PM at Old Fort William. Kooshopayiw Art Collective will also be hosting an exhibit Old Fort William at 12PM, featuring the artworks of Laurie W Bellamy, Alicia Brink, Patti Belanger Sharon Gridwood, Korri Loveday, Kristy Cameron, and George Simard.
Chapleau Métis Council
7PM
The Chapleau Métis Council is hosting a Dinner and Annual General Meeting for Louis Riel Day on November 16, 2024. The event begins at 7PM at the Royal Canadian Legion, 33 Younge St Chapleau.
Timiskaming Métis Council
11AM-3PM
Timiskaming Métis Council is hosting its AGM and a Louis Riel Day celebration with citizens on Saturday, Nov. 16th from 11AM to 3PM at the New Liskeard Community Centre located in the Town of New Liskeard, City of Temiskaming Shores. The council is also working with the Conseil Scolaire Catholique De District Des Grandes Rivieres to fly the Métis flag at local schools.
Niagara Region Métis Council
4PM
The Niagara Region Métis Council is hosting a Louis Riel Day flag raising ceremony at 4:00PM at 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold.
Timmins Métis Council
12PM-2PM
Join the Timmins Métis Council for a Louis Riel Day Pancake Breakfast Trivia and Bingo from 12PM-2PM. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, test your knowledge with trivia and win exciting prizes in a bingo game! Registration is required to attend. RSVP to mnotimminscouncil@gmail.com
North Bay Métis Council
11AM-2PM
Drop by the North Bay Métis Council for a Louis Riel Day fish fry taking place at the Best Western in North Bay (700 Lakeshore Drive).
Monday, November 18
Louis Riel Day Queen’s Park Flag Raising Ceremony
12:10PM
Join us on Monday, November 18, 2024, as the MNO and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario commemorate Louis Riel Day with a special flag-raising ceremony at Queen’s Park. This annual event brings together leadership and members of the community in honoring the legacy of the great Métis leader, and celebrating the courage, sacrifices and contributions of the Métis people to Canada.
Event highlights include remarks from invited dignitaries, provincial leadership and MNO representatives, as well as the ceremonial wreath-laying and a moment of silence. All are encouraged to attend and show support!
Did we miss one? Let us know how your community plans to celebrate Louis Riel Day by emailing CommOps@metisnation.org