Louis Riel Day at Toronto City Hall, on Sunday, November 16th, was a wonderful day of reflecting and celebrating Louis Riel’s dedication to the Métis people and our resilience.

Many came out to join us as we honoured Louis Riel’s legacy, and celebrated the Métis Nation. 

The flag raising ceremony included speeches by MC William Skura, TYRMC President Amie Therrien, TYRMC Senator Paul Irvine, Toronto City Councilor Neethan Shan, PCMNO Region 8 Representative Kate Stewart-McNeil, Métis Youth Voice Kole Durnford, PCMNO Acting Chair Sharon Cadeau, accompanied by the fiddle playing of MNO Region 8 Regional Manager Alicia Blore.

From left to right: Rob Baskey, Amie Therrien, Willium Skura , ASL Interpreter Ryan Kraft

From left to right: Rob Baskey, Paul Irvine, Willium Skura , ASL Interpreter Ryan Kraft

From left to right: Rob Baskey, Kole Durnford, Willium Skura , ASL Interpreter Ryan Kraft

These speeches touched on personal stories and views from a diverse group, followed by the raising of the Métis flag.

From left to right: Kate Stewart-McNeil, Rob Baskey, Neethan Shan, Kole Durnford, Amie Therrien, Paul Irvine, Joseph Poitras, William Skura, Sharon Cadeau, Alicia Blore

The City Hall Rotunda was filled with fiddle music, jigging and dining together. The event was covered by multiple TV stations and radio, including a live to air interview with TYRMC President Amie Therrien and TYRMC Senator Paul Irvine! 

Jiggers Megan Southwell & Teagan de Lorande teaching jigging lessons

The city was lit up in Métis colours to commemorate the day: the CN Tower in the colours of the Métis Flag, the TORONTO sign in the colours of the Toronto & York Region sash and the Princes’ Gates in blue to represent our Métis Nation.

Louis Riel would be proud, as we continue to stand strong and make strides for the Métis People! 

Rob Baskey, Senator for the Métis Nation of Ontario Veterans Council; Eagle Staff Carrier

We thank the City of Toronto for making this Louis Riel Day an incredible success!

Photo Credits: Brenna McCutcheon, Tara Chadwick, Phil Sutherland, as applicable.