Métis flag raised at the B.C. Legislature for Louis Riel Day. Photo courtesy Twitter/BC Legislature.
The provincial government and members of B.C.’s Métis community marked Louis Riel Day at the B.C. Parliament Buildings in Victoria.
Deputy Premier Carole James was joined by Métis Nation BC President Clara Morin Dal Col in a sunrise ceremony at the legislature.
On this day 132 years ago, Louis Riel was executed in Regina, SK, after being charged with treason for leading the North West Rebellion in 1885.
Riel was a political leader and fought for recognition of Métis rights and cultures.
“This is a great day for all Métis people in British Columbia,” Morin Dal Col said.
“Our history makes us who we are and by marking Louis Riel Day here in front of the Legislature and in our Métis communities throughout the province, we bring together Métis people from all walks of life and reaffirm our aspirations, our culture and our identity.”
“I am proud of my Métis heritage and I was moved to watch the flag rise in front of the people’s house,” James said.
“The flag-raising is a symbol of the importance of the Métis people and culture and our commitment to work together to make life better for Métis people across British Columbia.”
The government says a 2016 census recorded nearly 90,000 self-identified Métis people live in B.C., and up nearly 30,000 since 2006.
Andy Neal
