Today, Mayor John Tory proclaimed Louis Riel Day in the City of Toronto and the Métis flag was raised on the courtesy pole on the podium roof at City Hall. Louis Riel Day honours the political and spiritual Métis leader, as well as the valuable contributions of Métis people to Toronto and the development of Canada.
Louis Riel Day is recognized in Ontario each year on November 16, which is the date Louis Riel was executed by the Canadian Government in 1885 for leading the Northwest Resistance in defence of the Métis people.
View the proclamation and more information about Louis Riel Day: https://www.toronto.ca/explore
A pre-recorded video of the flag-raising is available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Mayor Tory was joined by President Margaret Froh of the Métis Nation of Ontario, President Shirley Debassige of the Toronto & York Region Métis Council, Senator Suzanne Brunelle of the Toronto & York Region Métis Council and fiddler Alicia Blore.
The Métis flag permanently flies at Nathan Phillips Square, along with flags of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Haudenosaunee (Six Nations of the Grand River Territory), Huron-Wendat, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
Quotes:
“I hope all Torontonians will take time to learn about Louis Riel so that future generations may know of his important legacy as leader to the Métis people and defender of the rights of all equity-deserving people.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Today, we commemorate the anniversary of the execution of Louis Riel, a beloved Métis leader who made the ultimate sacrifice defending Métis rights. While we grieve this historic tragedy, we also draw strength from his example and legacy. As we continue together down the path of real reconciliation, our conversations must be grounded in truth – only then can we begin to right the historic wrongs committed against Métis and all Indigenous peoples.”
– Margaret Froh, President, Métis Nation of Ontario
“We recognize Louis Riel as a visionary and a leader whose actions were principled and central to the creation of Canada and to achieving equality. As Métis people, we strive to follow in his footsteps as we continue to celebrate our uniqueness as Métis, and to celebrate our culture, traditions and families.”
– Shirley Debassige, President, Toronto and York Region Métis Council
Source City of Toronto
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