Two separate groups pay tribute to Riel

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The Louis Riel memorial which is enacted each Nov. 16 on the steps of the Alberta legislature took a new turn this year as two separate sects of Metis gathered to remember their great leader.

As the legislature clock struck noon, Ron LaRocque, acting president of the new Metis Nation Alliance, took the microphone to speak of Riel as the great Metis father.

"We are gathered here today to remember that Riel fought for the Metis and died for our nation," he told about 50 members of his organization.

As LaRocque and vice-president Jo-Ann Daniels addressed the crowd, members of the Metis Association ?-- including 1885 president Butch Plante, Zone 4 vice-president Dan Martel and president Larry Desmeules looked on.

Alliance board member and Commission of Oaths Muriel Stanley-Venne led the crowd through a public oath declaring Metis affiliation.

After the ceremony, vice-president Jo-Ann Daniels led the crowd in a rendition of "Oh, My Metis," a song she wrote herself. Then Stanley-Venne told the crowd it is "fitting that we commemorate his hanging and the establishment of the Alberta Metis National Alliance is proclaimed on the steps of the legislature . . . today of all days the name of Riel will be heard on these steps and in this prairie city and on other legislature steps in Canada."

Stanley-Venne then shouted Riel's name across the concourse.

Members of the alliance proceeded inside the legislature building to sign their names to their oaths while president LaRocque held a short press conference.

As the alliance supporters moved into the building members of the Metis Association assembled on the steps and began their ceremony.

After a prayer performed by Dr. Anne Anderson of the Native Heritage and Cultural Centre in Edmonton, former president Sam Sinclair laid a wreath on the steps next to the Metis flag.

President Desmeules addressed the crowd, pointing out that many people don't know who Metis people are.

"I say to them we are a unique people and one-of-a-kind in this country. We are Canadians first, Albertans second and Metis third. We have the veterans to prove it," he said.

Desmeules pointed out that Metis social conditions are changing due to good leadership.

"We have people who are business people, doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, civil servants and politicians. This is beginning to multiply. We are now entering into a new era and major announcements will be made to our people this week on our own self-determination."

After the ceremony, coffee and donuts were served at the Local 1885 office.