After six years, it’s now official. The City of Grande Prairie has named November 16th as Louis Riel Day in the city. Métis Local 1990 President Angie Crerar says the recognition finally makes her feel at home.
“The 16th of November is very important to us. It’s our livelihood. It’s a day we honour our great leader Louis Riel. According to the government, we don’t belong anywhere but the City of Grande Prairie has embraced us and made us feel that we belong.”
In Manitoba in 1868, Riel led the Métis to rebel against the Canadian government in an attempt to fight for the rights of his people. He was hung for treason in Regina on November 16th, 1885. Crerar considers Riel a hero and says she will continue to build on the legacy he left.
“Over the years my grandfather and my dad said someday we will have our rights and everybody should contribute…love one another and always be kind… That is how we will always add to our legacy that has been left to us… We are a people born right here in Canada of different bloods but this is where we belong.”
Louis Riel Day will now be celebrated in Grande Prairie every year on November 16th.