Louis Riel Day in Manitoba is viewed as an opportunity to celebrate the Métis culture, and that celebration will look quite different this year.
Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand says even though COVID has put many of the usual events on hold — Monday’s celebration will still be all about family.
“From the Metis side, it’s about family. It’s about coming together as a community, as a family. Looking at people as equals. So it’s clearly looking at Manitobans as equals and Manitobans should be proud of who we are.”
President Chartrand tells CKDM he thinks the most important aspect of Louis Riel Day is to truly give respect to the first Premier; the founder of Manitoba.
“It’s recognition for his contribution to creating the province of Manitoba and also bringing western Canada to Confederation. We can never forget that.”
To listen to President Chartrand's interview with CKDM News Director Matt Hamel, click here.
Special Online Celebration
The Northwest Metis Council in Dauphin is hosting a “Virtual Celebration” of Louis Riel Day in Conjunction with National Indigenous People’s Day
The event will feature jigging and square dancing, a snow sculpture contest, cultural presentation videos music and more.
The events gets underway at 9 a.m. and can be viewed here.
“Even though COVID is trying to steal it from us, we’re still going to make sure we have some way of getting our pride out," says President Chartrand, "and the pride we have for the father of Manitoba on display for all of society, not just for the Metis people.”
More Events To Celebrate Louis Riel Day.
Founder and owner of the Asham Stompers, Arnold Asham, says the High Flyin, High Steppin Asham Stompers will host a Virtual Performance on Louis Riel Day.
Asham says the special performance Monday night will feature some things not seen in a regular show, with a lot more individual performances.
"My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back" - Louis Riel
Referencing the famous Louis Riel quote, Asham says "that’s exactly what’s happening. Indigenous people are flourishing with their music, powwows and dance. I don’t know how Louis Riel figured that out 150 years ago, but he did."
The virtual show starts at 7 p.m., and is free to view and will be available online by clicking here.
