Riel vigil significant for Métis community

Métis leader Louis Riel was hanged in Regina 125 years ago, after a court decision ruled that he committed treason against the Canadian Government for his part in the Northwest Resistance.

On November 16th, the Regina Métis Council organized a vigil on the spot where Riel spent his final moments—the RCMP barracks on Dewdney Avenue.

Russell Fayant, interim President with the Regina Métis Council, said this year’s vigil was special because the group had permission to be on the RCMP grounds.

“Last year we lined the front of the barracks on Dewdney with signs saying ‘Remember Louis Riel’,” said Fayant. “This year we established a connection with the RCMP Depot Division and we were escorted onto the premises.”
The group was taken to a tree near the RCMP chapel, an approximate location to where the scaffolding for Riel took place. Fayant said there were some brief speeches from dignitaries, a poem and prayers recited by both a priest and a Métis Elder, followed by a moment of silence.

Fayant said he experienced a feeling and an emotion that is hard to describe.

“It’s a sense of connection to the past,” he added, further commenting that it was a sad occasion for all.

“For many Métis people who were there, that one moment in that spot summed up Riel’s sacrifices and his suffering,” he said.

Those who are familiar with the story of Riel know that he suffered tremendously throughout his life to advocate for Métis people.

“To be at that spot where he breathes his last breath and where all of those tumultuous events sort of culminated in that one moment of his hanging—it’s very emotional for us as Métis people,” he said, adding that he received a lot of calls about the vigil.

“Because it’s the year of the Métis and because it’s 125th Anniversary since Riel’s execution, we’ve received a lot of response from people outside the Métis community,” Fayant said.

Riel is considered the founder of Manitoba and the leader of the Métis. His leadership during the North West Resistance started a national dialogue on western alienation that is still an issue more than one hundred years later.

Riel was also a staunch defender of French language rights and a representative government. But Riel’s strongest voice was for the inherent rights of the Métis, while also speaking on the rights of First Nations.
The vigil was followed by a meal of soup and bannock and the mood was kept very solemn, according to Fayant. Close to a hundred people participated in the vigil to honour the sacrifices and contributions of Riel.

Photo caption: The Métis community gathered for a Nov. 16 vigil in Regina to honour Métis leader Louis Riel.

Photos: courtesy of Jennifer McGillis