Speakers honour, praise Louis Riel

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A group of impassioned speakers and supporters gathered on Sunday, November 16 at the front steps of the Alberta Legislature to honour and praise the memory of Louis Riel. The commemoration was the final portion of the weekend's Metis Cultural Days in Edmonton.

Despite the chilly sub-zero weather, the gathering included children, adults and Elders who had come to pay tribute and show their respect for Riel, the Father of Manitoba and the political leader of the Metis during the struggles of 1869-70 and 1885.

Metis Elder Dr. Anne Anderson began the commemorative services with an opening prayer, and war veteran Vic L'Hirondelle placed a memorial wreath alongside a large picture of Riel which was flanked by two large blue and white Metis flats bearing the infinity symbol.

Speaker Christine Daniels recalled the efforts of her late husband, Stan, who she pointed out, fought against the same injustices as had Riel over 100 years ago. "Louis Riel fought for justice ... the right to be human ... and land for his people," said Daniels.

Metis Association President Sam Sinclair told the crowd of about 40 people that Riel died for the very same reasons that "we're pursuing now...land and self-determination." He mentioned the coming constitutional talks which are slated for the spring of 1987. "We're now asking both governments (provincial and federal) at the constitutional meeting for a land base," he declared.

Sinclair further cautioned that an unreasonable response from government could result in violence. It would be a "a last resort," he explained. He even went so far as to forecast the potential for bloodshed. Should it ever come to that, Sinclair vowed that," as a leader, I would share that blood with you."

Another speaker, in the person of Liberal leader Nick Taylor, informed the crowd that after the war, the government had automatically provided three seats in the Legislature for representatives of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The gathering found Taylor's information to be of interest because it just might set some precedence in their quest for guaranteed seats in the House.

Words of support also came from Lawrence Courtoreille, a Treaty 89 vice-president of the Indian Association of Alberta. His presence was highly appreciated in a time when Indians and Metis are both struggling for self-government and self-determination.

Many other speakers addressed the gathering, including this reporter, who stated that organization and individuals have been seeking a pardon for Riel but that "nothing short of total exoneration would be acceptable."

Once the ceremonies were concluded, the crowd made their way to the Local 1885 offices where a brunch was served and people sat and talked with one another over a most welcome hot cup of coffee. Two video films were shown for those who chose to remain behind. One was "The Spirit of Batoche," narrated by Pierre Berton, the other dealt with the tragic life of suicide victim Richard Cardinal.

This past Sunday marked the 101st anniversary, to the day, that Louis Riel was hung by the courts of the land under the leadership of the then prime minister John A. Macdonald.