Riel honored 112 years later

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It was a cool, crisp day on Nov. 16, like the one exactly 112 years ago when Metis leader, activist and politician Louis David Riel was hanged in Regina.

Over the years, upward of 100 people have gathered, and braved the cold on the front steps of the Alberta Legislature to pay homage to Riel on the anniversary of his death.

This year, the ceremony moved indoors to the building's central rotunda, where Metis Nation of Alberta president Audrey Poitras led a grand entry comprised of Metis war veterans and zone representatives. Alberta Senator Nick Taylor, ND leader Pam Barrett, Zone 1V president Brian Fayant and Premier Ralph Klein were also special guests.

Klein acknowledged the visionary and political attributes of Riel.

The memorial tribute concluded with a fiddle rendition of the Red River Jig by Carolyn Von Grad and a prayer offering by Metis Elder Delia Gray.