Valerie G. Barnes Connell
Northern Advocate
Jim Brady Métis Local celebrated Louis Riel Day on Sunday, Nov. 16 with music, games and food at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre in La Ronge.
Doyle Vermette led the celebrations off with an opening prayer.
Riel spent his life fighting for his people, the Métis of the Red River and in the Resistance at Batoche in 1885.
Born in the Boniface Oct. 22, 1844, he grew up in the Red River. He took leadership roles in the Métis fight for justice, twice being elected to Parliament in Canada, but never taking his seat.
In fled to the United States for some time and returned to Batoche in 1884 to take part in the Métis negotiations with Canada.
Those negotiations failed, and Canadian Prime Minister John A. MacDonald sent troops west.
The Battle of Batoche lasted between May 9 and 12, but the battle was lost. Riel surrendered on May 115, 1885 and was tried for treason and hung in Regina on Nov. 16, 1885.
Métis people continue to honour his memory celebrating Louis Riel Day on annually on Nov. 16.
There was dancing and history lessons for those gathered to learn more about the rich history and culture of the Métis.
Riel has been declared a Father of Confederation by the Province of Manitoba.
The fiddle is a central instrument to the Métis and Jepha Ross, 17, has been interested in the learning to play the fiddle.
He had his dream fulfilled when he had the opportunity to study fiddle with Ralph Opikokew, who taught fiddle to many over the years in La Ronge before retiring and moving to Canoe Lake.
He got a small fiddle last year when he was ill and has been learning more and playing more often since he recovered.
Ross entertained those gathered with a toe-tapping melody of jigging tunes including his favourite – the Red River Jig.
Some people danced, while others tapped their toes to the music throughout the afternoon.
There was opportunity to learn more about Riel, along with Métis history and culture in a variety of ways throughout the celebrations.
The youngest Métis present – at two-weeks old – slept through much of the festivities.
