Submitted by: Jennifer Parkinson, MNO GRMC President

Métis flag raising ceremony in Guelph
MNO GRMC members and Mayor Cam Guthrie
(second from right) at Guelph City Hall in honour
of Louis Riel Day.

On November 21, 2014, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Grand River Métis Council (GRMC) celebrated Louis Riel Day with their fifth annual Métis flag raising ceremony at Guelph City Hall. MNO citizens, City of Guelph staff, and community members attended the event. The celebration would not have been possible without the hard work of Paul Smith, MNO GRMC Councillor, who organized the entire event and served as the master of ceremonies.

Jennifer Parkinson, MNO GRMC President, opened the celebration by talking about the Métis people and the contributions of Louis Riel. Barb Lair, MNO GRMC Chair, next recited a beautiful poem written by Louis Riel. Cam Guthrie, Mayor of Guelph, also shared a few words. President Parkinson thanked Mayor Guthrie for welcoming the council to City Hall and for his participation in the event and presented him with a book on Métis history and culture.

After the speeches, everyone proceeded outside to raise the Métis flag. The flag remained flying at the Guelph City Hall for one week.

The MNO GRMC would like to thank everyone who attended this important event.