Metis hero remembered

Page 4

The Metis will not allow their fallen hero to fade from memory.

On Nov. 16, a commemoration to Louis Riel was held at Alberta's legislature.

The commemoration was a highlight of Metis Week celebrations held from British Columbia to Ontario the week of Nov. 13 to 19.

The commemoration featured speeches from political leaders, including Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) President Audrey Poitras, provincial Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Pearl Calahasen, and Alberta Premier Ralph Klein.

The commemoration also featured a re-creation of Louis Riel's trial for high treason. Riel was an impassioned leader who fought for the recognition and rights of the Metis people, and led two resistence movements against the Dominion of Canada.

Dr. Bill Baergen played Riel in the re-enactment, at one point quoting the Metis leader in an address to the court saying:

"When I came into this world I was helpless and my mother cared for me. Today, although I am a man, I am as helpless before this court and this jury as I was the day of my birth. But the Northwest is also my mother, my mother country. She will not kill me anymore than my mother would when I came into this world. For although I have my faults, she will see that I am true. The people have love for me."

The people continue to have love for him, according to the head of the off-settlement Metis organization.

"Each year on Nov. 16 in cities and towns across the country, our people gather to commemorate the life of our hero ... the leader of our people and the champion of Metis rights," said the MNA's Poitras. "We always look back for the vision that he left for us."

Trevor Gladue, vice-president of the MNA, said Riel "represents us as a rights-bearing people."

"Today we are still continuing the rights-bearing agenda. It is a good feeling to see that we are no longer the forgotten people. Our rights are starting to be recognized right from the local level of government to the national level."

Klein said Metis people have played a valuable role in Alberta's history, "a role that actually began before the creation of the province.

"They helped build the communities that Albertans thrive in today. To recognize the contributions of Metis people to Alberta's development, one must recognize the leadership and sacrifice of Louis Riel."