The City of Toronto today honoured the contributions of Louis Riel and the Métis people to Canada’s development, raising the Métis flag at Toronto City Hall. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale) welcomed attendees and read Mayor John Tory’s proclamation of Louis Riel Day in Toronto.
“Louis Riel is remembered as a great Métis leader, humanitarian and an advocate for justice,” said Councillor Wong-Tam. “I am proud to be here today as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to build relationships with Indigenous communities and work towards advancing reconciliation.”
Margaret Froh, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario; Todd Ross, Chair of the Toronto and York Region Métis Council; and Alicia Bloor, a Métis youth representative, also spoke at the event. Verna Porter-Brunelle, Senator for the Métis Nation of Ontario Provisional Council, gave the opening prayer.
Louis Riel Day is commemorated each year in Toronto on November 16, the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. Louis Riel is recognized as a political and spiritual leader of the Métis people and a champion of minority rights in Canada. This year marks the 133rd anniversary of the end of the Northwest Resistance in Saskatchewan and the death of Louis Riel in 1885.
Toronto’s 2018 proclamation is available at https://bit.ly/2FXdSpy.
This news release is also available on the City’s website: https://bit.ly/2RXRsce
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