November 16, 2016
The City of Toronto today honoured the contributions of Louis Riel and the Métis people to the development of Canada. At a ceremony that included raising the flag of the Métis Nation of Ontario at Toronto City Hall, Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina), co-chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Committee, brought greetings and read the proclamation to mark Louis Riel Day in Toronto.
"Louis Riel is remembered for his leadership and willingness to fight for Métis rights," said Councillor Layton. "He was a visionary and a leader whose actions and resistance paved the way for the entrance of Manitoba into Confederation in Canada. There is still work to be done and I am proud to be a part of the City's ongoing commitment to working with Aboriginal communities to help develop successful programs and policies."
France Picotte, chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario; Tera Beaulieu, president of the Toronto and York Region Métis Council; and Christine Skura, a Métis youth representative, also spoke at the ceremony. Joseph Poitras, senator for the Provisional Council of Métis Nation of Ontario, provided the opening prayer.
Louis Riel was hung for high treason on November 16, 1885. He had challenged the status quo in an attempt to gain minority rights and protect the right of Aboriginal people to keep their traditional lands.
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