Today, Mayor John Tory proclaimed Louis Riel Day in Toronto and the Métis flag was raised on the courtesy pole of the podium roof at Toronto City Hall. Louis Riel Day honours the Métis leader, as well as the valuable contributions of Métis people to Toronto and the development of Canada.
Mayor Tory was joined by Jo Anne Young, Secretary-Treasurer of the Métis Nation of Ontario; Senator Suzanne Brunelle and President Shirley Debassige of the Toronto & York Region Métis Council (TYRMC); TYRMC Youth Representative Marissa Magneson; fiddler Alicia Blore; jiggers Teagan de Laronde and Megan Southwell, and members of the Métis community.
Louis Riel Day is recognized each year in Ontario on November 16, which is the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885 by the Canadian government for leading the Northwest Resistance in what is now Saskatchewan. Louis Riel was a political and spiritual leader, defender of the Métis people and advocate for the rights of equity-deserving people, despite long being viewed as a traitor by many Canadians.
On August 19, Mayor Tory offered an apology to the Métis people on behalf of the City of Toronto for its role in contributing to the militarized action against Métis people during the Northwest Resistance of 1885, led by Louis Riel.
Toronto is home to a vibrant and thriving Métis community. Louis Riel Day also acknowledges their ongoing and valued contributions.
Learn more about Louis Riel, community events for Louis Riel Day and watch Mayor Tory’s apology to the Métis on the City’s Louis Riel Day webpage.
Quotes:
“Today, I join with the Métis community and all Torontonians in recognizing Louis Riel, whose leadership was vital to protecting Métis heritage, as well as building the diverse and vibrant society we enjoy today. I look forward to continuing to work with the Métis community to ensure that future generations know the true history of Louis Riel and what he stood for.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution has become a day on which Métis people honour Riel and his contributions to history through his fight for the inherent rights of Métis people. Riel dreamed of self-determination for Métis people and thanks to generations of hard work, today his dream is closer than ever.”
– President Margaret Froh, Métis Nation of Ontario
“The execution of Louis Riel was a tragedy for the Métis people and all of Canada. He remains an inspiration and we strive to keep his legacy alive as we continue to build an equitable society where Métis people, along with our rights and culture, are respected and celebrated.”
– President Shirley Debassige, Toronto and York Region Métis Council
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.