Today, the City of Toronto honoured the contributions of Louis Riel and the Métis people to the development of Canada. At a ceremony that included raising the flag of the Métis Nation of Ontario at Toronto City Hall, Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale) brought greetings and read the proclamation to mark Louis Riel Day in Toronto.
“Louis Riel is remembered as a great humanitarian, leader and above all an advocate of justice for the Métis People,” said Councillor Wong-Tam. “I am proud to be here today as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to partnerships with Indigenous communities and continued work towards reconciliation and a more inclusive Toronto.”
Margaret Froh, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario; Tera Beaulieu, President of the Toronto and York Region Métis Council; and Elise St. Germain, a Métis youth representative, also spoke at the ceremony. Constance Simmonds, Senator for the Toronto York Region Métis Council, gave the opening prayer.
Louis Riel Day is commemorated each year in Toronto on November 16, the anniversary of his execution in 1885. He is remembered as a political leader, advocate for justice and a champion for the rights of the Métis in Canada. This year marks the 132nd anniversary of the end of the Northwest Resistance in Saskatchewan and the death of Louis Riel in 1885.
This news release is also available on the City’s website: http://ow.ly/2NjN30gCw4K.
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