Métis Local 1990 marked Louis Riel Day with a flag-raising ceremony in front of City Hall.
The well-attended event saw the entirety of city council, members of Métis Local 1990, friends, and family join together in recognition of Louis Riel and Métis culture as a whole at the local level.
Angie Saltman and her daughter Bridget were responsible for the flag raising itself, and Saltman says the event is critical for the local Métis community, especially as Truth and Reconciliation continues to be at the front of so many Canadian minds.
“It’s a lot to do with reconciliation because Métis people are often invisible to the public, so a lot of people understand First Nations culture maybe more than they understand Métis culture,” she says. “It’s really important that we have a space and some opportunity to share that we exist and it’s recognized that we exist.”
Saltman adds that Louis Riel Day is important for several members of her Métis community in Grande Prairie. She says the controversial figure is a “hero” for many Métis people, saying his memory must continue to live on as a symbol of strength.
“Louis Riel has always been a hero… he was wrongfully profiled in history as somebody who had mental health issues from a colonial government perspective,” she says. “To Métis people, he stood up for our rights legally, and what he tried to do was try to make sure that Métis people had the same rights as settlers had.”
When it comes to the City of Grande Prairie’s involvement, Saltman says the city’s continued presence and support is “meaningful,” as it displays the city’s commitment to reconciliation.
“It’s really meaningful because it really shows our community that our Canadian levels of government are equal to and not above like it has been historically,” she says. “It’s really beautiful to see that collaboration and reconciliation mindset from our city.”
Louis Riel Day is officially marked on November 16th, and Angie’s daughter Bridget only had one statement regarding her involvement in the event, saying- “I was excited.”
