November 14, 2014 

 

At a ceremony and flag raising this morning, the City of Toronto honoured the contributions of Louis Riel and the Métis people to the development of Canada.

 

Executive Senator Reta Gordon of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario delivered the opening prayer at the event. Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina), Co-chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Committee, brought greetings and read the proclamation pronouncing that today is Louis Riel Day in the City of Toronto. France Picotte, Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Tera Beaulieu, President of the Toronto and York Region Métis Council, and Christine Skura, Métis Youth representative all provided remarks. 

 

"Today, we remember Louis Riel for his leadership and his willingness to fight for human rights," said Councillor Layton. "He was a visionary and an exemplary leader whose actions were principled and were central to the creation of a confederation in Canada. I am proud to be a part of the City of Toronto's ongoing commitment to working with Aboriginal communities and partnerships for the development of successful and meaningful programs and policies."

 

On November 16, 1885, Louis Riel was hanged for high treason – essentially because he challenged the status quo to gain minority rights and to protect the rights of Aboriginal people to keep their traditional lands.

 

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/14mrgPO

 

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

 

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Media contact: Mae Maracle, City Manager’s Office, 416-392-5583, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.