Nine Things to do on Louis Riel Day
We spell it out
L is for Louis Riel, who we’re celebrating on February 18. The statutory holiday was first marked in Manitoba on February 18, 2008. A Métis leader, Riel was born in the Red River Settlement and educated at St. Boniface and Montreal. Riel, a passionate defender of the Métis, advocated guarantees for their land, language and political rights. His leadership inspired the creation of Manitoba as Canada’s fifth province on July 15, 1870.
O is for Our country’s Heritage Minutes, including this one about Riel (Warning: Mature subject matter; viewer discretion is advised)
U is for University of Manitoba’s Louis Riel Day celebrations February 15 at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge with fiddle music, jigging, Métis fare and more. The free event ends with the placement of a sash on the statue of Riel at the lodge.
I is for Inclusion at the Saint-Boniface Museum, open from noon to 4 p.m. on Louis Riel Day. The Louis Riel Institute Beading Circle will share the art of Métis beading. And historian Dr. Philippe Mailhot will be present in the Riel exhibit to answer questions and chat with guests. Your visit also includes free hot chocolate and cookies.
S is for Suspenders. You’ll find part of a pair once owned by Riel along with his moccasins, toque, sash, revolver and even the hairs from his beard, all part of the Saint-Boniface Museum’s collection.
R is for Representation. A controversial statue of Riel by Marcien Lemay and Etienne Gaboury was unveiled in 1971. Originally located at the Manitoba Legislature, it is the artists’ depiction of Riel’s tortured soul. It was moved to the College Universitaire de St. Boniface in 1995. The following year, a new statue by Miguel Joyal was unveiled at the Legislature and remains in place on Broadway Avenue facing the Assiniboine River.
I is for Invitation to Louis Riel Day celebrations February 16 at St. Louis Centre, 445 Tissot St. in Winnipeg. Get details for this party, featuring Ray St. Germain and fiddle player Pattie Kusturok, and others around the province via the Manitoba Métis Federation.
E is for Epic style when you tie on a sash from the Saint-Boniface Museum boutique. Sashes for sale include those handmade on a loom using alpaca wool, replicas of the Coventry style Riel wore circa 1860.
L is for l’Ensemble folklorique de la Rivière Rouge, who are performing at the Manitoba Children’s Museum’s Franco-Fun Day on February 18.
BONUS: Spend the entire Louis Riel Day at Festival du Voyageur. The February 18 lineup includes storytelling, a powwow presentation from Manito Ahbee, fiddle champion and singer/songwriter Sierra Noble, Métis jigging group Kandance and a singer/songwriter circle Leonard Sumner.
All Photos by Kristhine Guerrero
