In a ceremony today, Mayor Ken Boshcoff and the Regional President of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Wendy Houston, raised the Métis flag at City Hall in honour of Louis Riel Day. The flag’s infinity symbol represents the immortality of the Métis Nation, and the centre of the symbol, on its blue field, indicates the joining of two cultures.

“Louis Riel played a vital role in Canadian history,” said Mayor Boshcoff. “Today we honour his memory, and acknowledge his positive legacy, while building on it through our own actions.”

Louis Riel Day is held annually on Nov. 16, the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. On this day, Métis people across Canada celebrate Riel’s stand against the Government of Canada’s encroachment into Métis territory during the Northwest Resistance. Learn more about Louis Riel.

In addition to his role as a political leader of the Métis people and elected Member of Canada’s Parliament, Louis Riel was a founder of the province of Manitoba. He led several resistance movements in defence of the rights of Métis people, leading to his capture at the Battle of Batoche, and ultimately, his conviction and execution for high treason in Regina. In 2004, Prime Minister Paul Martin acknowledged that Riel’s contribution was not only “to the Metis Nation, but to Canada as a whole.”

The City and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) are working toward establishing a Memorandum of Understanding to further strengthen their relationship.

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Contacts:  Alain Joseph, Manager – Indigenous Relations Office (Acting), 630-8278

Wendy O’Connor, Communications Officer (Acting), 358-6711