Louis Riel Day celebrated

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Metis people across Saskatchewan came together on Nov. 16 to mark the 120th anniversary of the hanging of Louis Riel. In Saskatoon, the Western Region Metis Women's Association and the Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., in partnership with the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Saskatchewan Centennial 2005, the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Lotteries and the Metis community, held Louis Riel Day celebrations at the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Hall.

More than 350 people came out to take part in the celebrations, which honoured the life and contributions of Riel and showcased Metis culture, traditions and talent. A traditional meal, complete with duck soup, boullettes, neck bones and bannock was served, and entertainment was provided by Melvin Vandale, Len Dumont, Donny Parenteau, the Riel Reelers, the St. Mary's Dance Troupe, Phil Boyer, Dallas Fiddler, Jim Durocher, Bing and Shirley Shearer and Marlene Conron.

Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison was on hand for the celebrations, as was Maynard Sonntag, minister of First Nations and Metis Relations, who was presented with a Metis sash in recognition for his efforts on behalf of the Metis people of Saskatchewan. Sonntag was also presented with the first copy of the book Duck Soup for the Metis Soul, a collection of humourous stories gathered from Metis people from across the province to celebrate the Saskatchewan centennial.

The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company also hosted Louis Riel Day Celebrations with a variety of Metis artists taking to the stage of the company's Black Box Theatre in Saskatoon on Nov. 16 and 17.

Under the direction of Maria Campbell, the company presented a celebration of Metis stories and culture through music, song, dance and spoken word. Among the artists featured in the performances were John and Vicki Arcand, Maureen Belanger, Rita Bouvier, Tantoo Cardinal, Yvonne Chartrand, John Lagimodiere, Michelle LeClair-Harding, Tracy Lindberg, Jay Ross and Nicole St. Germain.