Louis Riel Day Events 2023
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) invites all Canadians to join in marking the anniversary of the execution of Métis leader Louis Riel in 1885. Louis Riel Day on November 16 honours Riel’s sacrifice while celebrating Métis culture and resilience.
This year carries great significance for the MNO as it marks not only the solemn remembrance of Louis Riel but also the commemoration of 30 years since the establishment of the MNO as a Métis government. Additionally, it signifies two decades since the historic Powley Decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, a landmark moment in Métis history.
Louis Riel, a visionary Métis leader, played a pivotal role in defending Métis rights during the Northwest Resistance of 1885. Despite facing tremendous adversity, his legacy lives on, and today, the Métis Nation of Ontario continues to thrive as a testament to the courage of our ancestors.
To honour Louis Riel Day, the MNO is participating in several key events. Beyond the ones detailed below, numerous flag raisings and communal gatherings are happening across the province:
8:30 AM (please note all times are eastern standard)
Celebration to Recognize Louis Riel Day
@ Toronto City Hall
MNO leadership will join Mayor Olivia Chow and members of the Toronto City Council at a Celebration to Recognize Louis Riel Day on November 16 from 8:30 – 10:00 AM at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West. RSVP at ProtocolRSVP@toronto.ca. Kindly indicate if you have accommodation needs.
9:00 AM
Louis Riel Day
@ Ottawa City Hall
The Ottawa Region Métis Council will be joined by Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and other at a Louis Riel Day event at at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. West.
Opening Prayer by a Métis Elder. (Ottawa Region Métis Council).
Flag Raising – the Mayor, President Gjos and President Caron.
Words from the Mayor of Ottawa.
Description of what November 16 means to Métis, by the President of the Ottawa Region Métis Council, Erik Gjos.
Words from the President of the Métis National Council, Cassidy Caron.
Closing comments from the President of the Ottawa Region Métis Council.
Closing Prayer by a Métis Elder. (Ottawa Council)
12:00 PM
Louis Riel Day Flag-Raising
@ Queen’s Park Legislature Building
Attend in-person or watch the MNO’s longstanding Louis Riel Day Ceremony at Queen’s Park via Livestream on our Facebook. An agenda for the ceremony will be posted here as soon as available. See an agenda below:.
• Members of Provincial Parliament
5-7 PM
Louis Riel Day • Documentary & Panel Discussion
@ Law Society of Ontario (online)
Join the Law Society of Ontario and the MNO, for the annual Louis Riel Day program.
This event features a viewing of Métis Hunt for Justice: the Powley Story documentary, which tells the story of the profound struggle of Ontario Métis against marginalization, the denial of their very existence, and the immense impact of the Supreme Court of Canada Powley case.
The documentary viewing will be followed by a fireside chat between Margaret Froh, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario and Jean Teillet, a renowned Indigenous rights lawyer, teacher, and speaker.
10:15-10:30 PM
Niagara Falls Illumination
The Niagara Falls are often lit in special colours marking significant dates. This year the Falls will glow in blue and red in honour of Louis Riel Day. Watch the Falls light up in Métis red and blue here.
Second 30 mins of every hour, after dark
CN Tower Illumination
In Toronto, the CN Tower will illuminate the city’s skyline with blue and red in a display for Louis Riel Day. This iconic landmark has a long-standing tradition of lighting up in various colours and patterns to raise awareness for important causes. The CN Tower will light up in red and blue for the last 30 minutes of each hour, after dark. Watch here.
Louis Riel Day near you!
Communities across the Métis Nation mark Louis Riel Day on November 16th, be sure to reach out to your local Community Council to find out what is happening near you.