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RMWB and Métis commemorate death of Riel

Last Updated Nov 16, 2017 at 4:41 pm MDT

PHOTO. A Métis flag is ready to be hoisted in downtown Fort McMurray at a 2017 ceremony commemorating the death of Louis Riel. MYMCMURRAY/Jenna Hamilton.

In honour of the death of Louis Riel a red Métis flag now flies downtown.

Métis members from McKay, Conklin, Anzac, Fort McMurray and Willow Lake commemorated Riel’s life on Thursday. It has been 132 years since he was killed for defending the Métis way of life.

Bill Loutitt, vice president and CEO of the McMurray Métis said raising the flag on Franklin Ave. was very important to them.

“Personally it is just the recognition, that we were here, we’re still here and we will continue to be here in the future.”

Loutitt added that it is important that people know the history and the significance, that Riel was hung for unjust reasons.

“We celebrate his life on his death, it took many years for him to recognized as one of the fathers of confederation,” said Loutitt. “It is very important that we recognize people for the significance that they played in building Canada.”

Riel was executed on Nov. 16, 1885 for treason after leading two rebellions against the Government of Canada.