The Grand River Métis Council commemorated Louis Riel Day on Nov. 16 by flying the Métis flag at Guelph city hall this week.
Jennifer Parkinson, president of the Grand River Métis Council, and Mayor Cam Guthrie raised the flag during a ceremony at city hall on Nov. 14.
“Raising the Métis Nation flag at Guelph city hall recognizes our historic leader Louis Riel and celebrates our rich Métis heritage,” said Jennifer Parkinson. “We are grateful to Mayor Guthrie and the city for helping commemorate this important event in our national heritage each year.”
Louis Riel was a 19th century Métis leader regarded by many Canadians as a hero and the “father” of Manitoba.
Riel advocated for democratic rights for all, representative government and the rights of Métis people.
He led two resistance movements against the Canadian government, the Red River Rebellion of 1869-70 and the North-West Rebellion of 1885, the latter ended in his arrest and conviction for treason. On Nov. 16, 1885, Riel was hanged by the Canadian government.
Around Nov. 16 each year, Métis people across Canada honour and commemorate the legacy of Louis Riel.
Flying the Métis flag at Guelph city hall occurs under the city’s courtesy policy that allows flags to be raised by many types of community organizations. The Métis flag is the oldest flag originating in Canada, first used in 1816.
