November 16, 2015
The City of Toronto today honoured the contributions of Louis Riel and the Métis people to the development of Canada. At a ceremony that included raising the flag of the Métis Nation of Ontario at Toronto City Hall, Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina), Co-chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Committee, brought greetings and read the proclamation to mark Louis Riel Day in Toronto.
"Louis Riel is remembered for his leadership and willingness to fight for minority rights," said Councillor Layton. "He was a visionary and a leader whose actions helped pave the way to the creation of confederation in Canada. I am proud to be a part of the City of Toronto's ongoing commitment to working with Aboriginal communities and its partnerships to help develop successful and meaningful programs and policies."
France Picotte, Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Tera Beaulieu, President of the Toronto and Métis Council, and Lindsay Dupré, Métis Youth representative, also spoke at the ceremony. Senator Constance Simmonds of the Toronto and York Region Métis Council provided the opening prayer.
Louis Riel was hung for “high treason” on November 16, 1885. He had challenged the status quo in an attempt to gain minority rights and to protect the right of Aboriginal people to keep their traditional lands.
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Media contact: Mae Maracle, Equity, Diversity and Human Rights, 416-392-5583, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
