Louis Riel

On November 16, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) will join other Métis governments across the Métis Homeland in commemorating Louis Riel, the Métis leader who was executed by the Canadian Government on November 16, 1885, for leading the Northwest Resistance. Highlights in Toronto will include:

  • 9:00-9:45 am – Métis Flag Raising Ceremony, Toronto City Hall (viewed from Members’ Lounge)
  • 11:30-12:30 pm – Louis Riel Day Ceremony at Northwest Resistance Monument in Queen’s Park. Highlights of the ceremony will include:
    • Address by Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario
    • Greetings from dignitaries representing parties represented in the Provincial Parliament
    • Address by Jean Teillet, a Métis lawyer and descendent of Louis Riel
    • A procession of Métis veterans, elders and a Legion honour guard.
    • Laying of a wreath in memory of Louis Riel at the Northwest Rebellion monument
    • Traditional Métis feast in Legislature following the ceremony
  • 4:00-8:00 pm – Law Society of Upper Canada Public Legal Education Event, at 130 Queen Street West. This event will include:
    • Update and panel discussion with lawyers Jean Teillet, Jason Madden and Jim Aldridge, who each currently involved in Métis Rights litigation including the Manitoba Métis Federation case that goes

A Louis Riel Day Video produced by the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs featuring Métis Veteran Harvey Horlock will also be showcased.