The life of Louis Riel and Louis Riel Day were recognized in Prince Albert on Sunday.
The Métis Nation Saskatchewan Region 2 Office was home to a day of activities promoting Métis culture.
Louis Riel Day is held every year on November 16 across the Métis homeland. The date marks the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885.
MN-S Western Region 2 Director Sherry McLennan said it was also a day to educate everyone about Metis culture.
“We’re trying to educate our citizens and the youth,” McLennan said. “The elders are here to bring awareness free about what happened to Louis Riel and why he was hung.”
McLennan is currently in dispute with MN-S leadership after not being sworn in after the recent election.
“With me not being brought to the table, even though I was elected, that’s exactly what happened to Louis Riel too,” she said. “It’s not honouring our people who voted. I had over 800 people vote for me, and they’re not being recognized. That’s not democracy, and I know the people are very angry because their vote is not being recognized.
“Why do people vote? Why do people run in elections if they’re not recognized? Who gets to say that they can’t be recognized? That is not democracy I see at all,” she added.
McLennan said she keeps trying to provide for the people in Western Region 2 with activities, programs and services.
“They’re the people that vote for me, so we need to try everything to acknowledge them,” she said. “When they come here, it’s like they walk in and they say, ‘we finally found a place where I belong.’”
McLennan said there are many people who have only just recently discovered about their Metis ancestry. She said an event like the Riel Day celebration can help those people learn more about the culture, and understand Riel’s importance.
The day began with a flag raising and pancake breakfast and included a bingo and traditional Métis meal. They also recognized the elders in attendance, and hosted classrooms of students who came to look at the Metis cart on display.
McLennan said the class was also curious about the Hudson Bay blanket and the Métis sash.
“They want to be educated on their culture,” McLennan said.
She said that an event like Louis Riel Day is a great starting point for education.
“Everybody’s welcome. Anybody, any Métis, any non-Métis, they’re welcome to come here and enjoy the programs and services that we have,” McLennan said.
McLennan said she was pleased with the turnout on a Sunday afternoon.
“But I do have to say, I’m kicking them all out at 4:00 because before the football game. I want to watch a football game. Go Riders,” she said.
The afternoon included an open stage and a band was also setting up for an open mic. The open mic was emceed by Alex Powalinsky. Her partner Lisa Halsall of All My Relations Photography and All My Relations Creative Connections also took Métis family photos.
McLennan wished everyone the best on Louis Riel Day.
“Just everybody who is celebrating Louis Real Day, have a great day. I know it’s for Indigenous Métis people, it is a holiday, but my staff are working for it, so they’ll get another day,” McLennan said.
