The event was held at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

anniversary

Louis Riel Day observed in La Ronge

Nov 17, 2023 | 2:56 PM

The Métis community in La Ronge came together on Thursday to celebrate the life and legacy of Louis Riel.

Louis Riel Day is celebrated across the Métis homeland every Nov. 16, the same day Riel was executed by the Canadian government in Regina in 1885.

Jim Brady Métis Local 19 President Brett Angus explained the day has been observed in La Ronge for at least the last 30 years.

“We were really happy with the amount of people who came out,” he said, noting about 175 people attended the event.

“It is a day for us to come together to celebrate his life and his legacy as the father of our nation and a Father of Confederation in the country of Canada, as he was the one who pushed for the creation of Manitoba and tried to get the same thing to happen in Saskatchewan for the Métis people.”

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The event, which was held at La Ronge’s Kikinahk Friendship Centre, included a performance and education session from the Northern Prairie Dancers, music by fiddler Lucas Welsh and the sharing of knowledge and wisdom on traditional medicines by Bob Buffin of Dore Lake Land-Based Learning.

The celebration included music and entertainment. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

A meal of chili and bannock was also served and there were snow cones, face painting and a photo booth as well. The Town of La Ronge also partnered with Jim Brady Métis Local 19 to host the event.

“It’s really nice to have collaboration between the communities like between the Métis community and the town itself,” Angus said.

“In this age of reconciliation, working together with the municipality is a huge step and it is a great bloom to bringing everyone together.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com