Métis celebrate Riel's legacy

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On the first true day of winter with temperatures that bottomed out at minus 3C, more than 100 people celebrated Louis Riel Day at the Provincial legislative buildings in Toronto. Métis citizens from across the homeland, including Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)senators and Aboriginal youth, congregated in front of the government buildings, then marched, holding the MNO's commemorative Louis Riel flag, alongside the traditional infinity symbols, across the grounds to a monument dedicated to Ontario's veterans.

The monument, which stands about 15-feet high with engraved names and dates on all sides, has been the centre of controversy within the Ontario Métis community for some time. The monument pays homage to fallen soldiers who fought battles as Canadian citizens, for their country. It also includes a list of Ontario soldiers who participated in the Battle of Batoche against Métis people who fought for their land, their rights and their very lives against a country that sought to wipe out their way of life.

The MNO has been staging protests at the foot of the statue for several years now, hoping to draw the attention of the government, the Ontario people and Canadians nationwide to the prejudicial way in which Canadian history is told. This platform is also used to draw attention to the injustice of Métis leader Louis Riel's execution and the continuing struggle of his people.

"We stand here as Canadian citizens. We stand here as Ontario citizens. We stand here as proud Métis citizens," said MNO chairperson, Gary Lipinski. He went on to speak to the issue of Riel's recognition in relation to Métis people's struggle to be recognized as Aboriginal people with viable rights.

Along with MNO dignitaries, several government representatives attended the ceremony. Jim Flaherty, Minister of Native Affairs and the Attorney General for Ontario, spoke about Riel's contribution to his people and the nation.

"He was a leader in economics and self-sufficiency for the Métis people of all Canada." Flaherty closed his speech by saying the day's ceremonies would remind him to go into the legislature and fight for fairness for all people.

Métis Elder Earl Scoffield lead the assembly in the closing prayer after paying special tribute to Métis veterans. He asked that all the people who have or still serve in the Canadian forces to step forward and stand with him as he recounted the Aboriginal involvement in Canadian wars and the lack of recognition given to these service people.

The formal ceremonies concluded with a traditional feast held inside the legislative building. So many people attended that an adjoining room had to be opened to accommodate everyone. Moose, wild rice, corn soup, bannock and fry bread was served.

The Ontario celebrations were only part of the larger nationwide activities taking place to commemorate Riel and his people.