The third Monday in February has been recognized as Loius Riel Day in Manitoba since 2008.
The day celebrates the first premier and founder of Manitoba, and Northwest Métis Council Vice President Frances Chartrand says it's about more than just celebration.
"He's the one that got us into confederation, so you think about it, if Louis Riel wasn't out there fighting, there wouldn't be a Manitoba today. So we want to educate all Red River Métis Citizens, but we also want to educate the general public on who the Red River Métis are, and who Louis Riel is."
Chartrand says the day is tied closely to some very important aspects of Métis culture.
"When they celebrate this long weekend all across Canada it's Family day, so when you look at the founder of Manitoba, Louis Riel, and then you look at the Métis culture, the importance of family, the importance of sharing, the importance of dance, music, our language, we're able to celebrate with all of our families and have a great time."
The origin of "Louis Riel Day" is also closely tied to the Parkland says Chartrand, after one school stepped up in suggesting the name.
"When they did the contest in the province of Manitoba, in the Northwest Region, I believe McCreary School, had the most votes. So what they did was they had a call out to all the school divisions on what to name the holiday, and then they were recognizing, even in these young children in their wisdom in their mind, they know they had to recognize, and they knew who the founder of Manitoba is."
There are Luis Riel Day Celebrations across the Parkland today, including in Dauphin, Roblin, Ochre River, and Gilbert Plains.
