'Wear the sash and remember me'

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The Metis nation is alive and well and flourishing, says Metis Nation of Alberta president Larry Desmeules.

"Thanks to the likes of Louis Riel and others like him, we have a bright future," Deseules told a crowd gathered outside the Alberta legislature Nov. 16 to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the hanging of the legendary Metis leader.

Members of the Metis Nation were joined by dignitaries including respected elder Dr. Anne Anderson, MLAs Pearl Calahasen and Mike Cardinal, Liberal MLA Nick Taylor and the secretary of the Alberta Federation of Metis Settlements Richard Poitras.

"We are rewriting the history of Louis Riel so our kids can be aware of him and therefore of who they are," said Desmeules. He said Riel, the Father of Confederation for Manitoba, is a leader whom Metis people can be proud of.

Cardinal and Calahasen addressed the crowd in Cree and English and remembered Riel for his struggle and for giving his life "so Metis people could secure a place in the Canadian nation where our rights would be protected."

Also present was Noel Butlin, a Calgary Metis whose grandfather as a member of the North West Mounted Police was among the contingent of officers, who escorted Riel from Batocke to Regina, where he was hung.

An anonymous dedication to Riel concluded the solemn occasion. "Remember me, not for what they called me, but for what I was. When you see the truth, it will be too late, 100 years to late. Remember the buffalo hunts, the Red River Jig and when you see our people wear the sash and remember me."

Nov 16 was the final day of Metis Week in Edmonton, which had featured open house events, a conference and a number of social receptions.