The University of Manitoba hosted a celebration to honour the Métis leader and acknowledge Métis heritage and history for students within the university.

To watch/listen to the story, please follow the link to APTN News. 

“This event is a chance to gather to recognize Métis people, history and culture as well as acknowledge the life, accomplishments and sacrifices of Louis Riel and the importance of his leadership, vision and contributions to the creation of Manitoba,” says Vanessa Lillie, Director of Cultural Integration. “It’s inspiring to see future young leaders embracing and celebrating their pride in being Métis.”

Louis Riel Day is named for Métis leader Louis Riel who is recognized for his leadership during the Red River and North-West Resistances, which were pivotal in defending Métis rights and land against the Canadian government. In 2023, he was recognized by the Manitoba government as the province’s honourary first premier.

“We have a history of celebrating this day at UM and like other years, there will be delicious food, live music, a chance to play trivia and a time to continue our ongoing relationship building,” says Lillie.

“This is a great time to join the Métis community on campus and to connect with supports for Métis students. Resource tables will be in attendance where you can meet community resources like the Two-Spirit Michif Local, Bison Local, Métis University Student Association (MUSA), UM Indigenous Birding Club, student advisors from the Indigenous Student Centre and Jessica Burzuik, the Métis Inclusion Coordinator with the Manitoba Métis Federation who is hosted here at UM to provide supports to Métis students.

“If it’s your first time joining us, we are looking forward to welcoming new and returning guests.”

What: Louis Riel Day Celebrations
Where: Marshall McLuhan Hall – Room 204, UMSU University Centre
When: Friday, February 14, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Please register in advance for the lunch order.

Norman Meade, Elder-in-Residence at the Indigenous Student Centre opened the event with a blessing and words to focus everyone’s thoughts on the meaning of the forthcoming day that now honours the Father of Manitoba. Unparalleled bannock tacos supplied by Shelly’s Indigenous Bistro disappeared quickly after more than 50 guests lined up.

Logan Nadeau, 1L, moderates a panel of Métis elders including Elder Norman Mead who opened the event, Tyler Blashko, MLA for Lagimodiere, and Jeri Ducharme, Manager of Learning for the EleV Partnership at UM Indigenous Engagement and Communications.

Invited Métis community members included Tyler Blashko, MLA for Lagimodiere, and Jeri Ducharme, Manager of Learning for the EleV Partnership at UM’s Indigenous Engagement and Communications. First-year law student Logan Nadeau moderated questions for the guests regarding their educational and work experiences and contributions as Métis individuals.

Elder Candace Volk led a workshop on traditional beading while first-year law student and champion Métis jigger, Sarah Shuttleworth, taught law students the basic steps of a traditional jig.  

Elder Candace Volk teaches beading to law students and staff, making good use of a Robson Hall classroom document camera.

“The Louis Riel Day event was a great way for the Robson Hall community to celebrate the culture and history of the Red River Métis, and we’re thankful to our invited guests for sharing their experiences and knowledge with us,” said organizer Dominique Gibson (3L). “To be able to host this event only a few weeks after The Louis Riel Act bestowed the honorary title of “First Premier of Manitoba” on Louis Riel is particularly meaningful. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the lunch, the panel, and the cultural activities!”

Jigging champion and first-year law student Sarah Shuttleworth teaches fellow students how to jig.

The event came a week after a visit from The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, who encouraged law students to take the opportunity to attend different cultural events whenever possible as part of their education.

This is the first year Riel, a Red River Métis leader, will be recognized as the honourary first premier of the Province of Manitoba.

Listen here

“For all of us in Manitoba and across Canada, it’s acknowledging the true history of our province and re-centring the truth of our shared stories,” says Vanessa Lillie, director of cultural integration at UM, who is Cree and Métis with roots in Peguis First Nation.  

“Métis people have known for a long time that Riel was the father of our province,” says Lucy Fowler, a Two-Spirit Métis woman from Winnipeg, Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) citizen and assistant professor in UM’s Faculty of Education. “He was a passionate leader aiming for a better future for his people—[this] reinforces what we understood about him.” 

“It shows we were legitimate and still are, as the precursor of the provincial government we know today,” adds Indigenous studies master’s student Lydia Gork from the Red River Métis Nation. “It’s an acknowledgement of Métis sovereignty.” 

For Gork, the bill also holds a personal connection. One of her ancestors, François Dauphinais, was the vice-president of Riel’s provisional government and jailed by the Wolseley expedition, a military force authorized to confront Riel and the Métis. “By acknowledging Riel and the provisional government, this bill is helping to give my ancestor the honour he deserved,” she says. 

UM’s connection to the Métis Nation 

According to UM’s Office of Institutional Analysis, more than half of the 2,735 Indigenous UM students self-declare as Métis. Recognizing the dynamic contributions of the Métis community contributes to a sense of belonging while honouring UM’s history, which is deeply intertwined with the Métis people. 

UM campuses are on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis; specifically, “the [Fort Garry] campus itself is located on former river lots that Métis people owned,” says Gork. UM’s first-ever planned gift also holds a special connection. In 1883, Métis scholar, educator, lawyer and author Alexander Kennedy Isbister bestowed $83,000 and nearly 5,000 books to UM, a gift that still benefits students today. 

“Recognizing Riel and Métis governance helps re-centre some of these histories that UM is situated within,” says Gork. “I’d like to continue to see the historical narrative demonstrate intersections between Métis history and the university… it would help the community draw a deeper appreciation of the contributions Métis people made so UM could exist today and so Métis students can feel more comfortable on campus.” 

Join in the Louis Riel Day celebrations at UM 

The UM community is invited to a celebration of Métis culture at the annual Louis Riel Day event on Friday, Feb. 16.  

“People can expect lots of food, music, activities and opportunities to learn more about the incredible contributions of the Métis people to the community and to Manitoba,” says Lillie. “It’s a celebration and the event will reflect that.” It will also host representatives from the Métis community and MMF. 

Other opportunities to learn and connect  

There are plenty of opportunities for the UM community to learn about Métis history and culture year-round, including courses in the department of Indigenous studies and events on campus and through the MMF Bison Local. In September, Fowler is also co-hosting Mawachihitotaak: Métis Studies Symposium, bringing Métis scholars from across the homeland to UM’s Fort Garry campus.  

In addition to academic opportunities, Gork encourages fellow Métis students to attend social gatherings to connect with their culture and community. 

“UM can be an academically intense space but historically, Métis people have always taken the time to enjoy one another’s company after a hard day’s work,” she says. “It’s important to have those [academic] initiatives but also moments of cultural gathering so people can build relationships with each other. 

“I think Elders and youth are a big part of our culture, so the more we can connect with them, the more our culture and nation can thrive,” she continues. “Sitting down with Elder Norman Meade [at the Indigenous Student Centre] or other Métis Elders can create kinship ties with other Métis people.”  

Looking to the future 

As the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair once stated, education is the key to Reconciliation. Initiatives like the introduction of the Riel bill help “tell the truth of our stories,” says Lillie. “It’s not only educating within an academic setting but educating Manitobans and Canada as a whole.” 

Fowler also emphasizes the importance of including contemporary examples of Métis representation along with the historical.  

“History shapes who we are as a nation, but Métis people exist today, building the future Riel was dreaming of,” she says. “We need to not only think about Riel but also the other powerful Métis people who have shaped the Métis Nation: all of the grandmas, aunties, cousins and community members who are the backbone and heart of the nation.” 

Everyone is welcome to attend the Louis Riel Day celebration on Feb. 16 at UM’s Fort Garry campus. Please register for the free event to help with catering planning. For more Indigenous events, visit the Indigenous events calendar. 

Louis Riel is a Métis hero, founding father of Manitoba and leader who fought to protect his people. In his honour, Louis Riel Day celebrates the history, resiliency and cultural pride of the Métis people whom he defended.

A celebration of Métis culture and community will take place on Friday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge. The Office of Vice-President (Indigenous) at UM and the Manitoba Métis Federation welcome everyone to join in the celebration.

Cultural integration a growing focus in UM spaces

Since its inception, the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) has grown to include newly created units and teams that advance Indigenous engagement, achievement and governance at UM and build a culturally safe environment for Indigenous students, staff, faculty and guests. In March 2021, Christine Cyr was appointed as Associate Vice-President (AVP) Indigenous – Students, Community and Cultural Integration.

“In general, there is an air of relief and celebration in our environment as we move towards resuming life, work and play in-person. As a proud citizen of the Red River Métis Nation, I have specific reasons to be hopeful and joyful as we prepare to gather together on Feb. 17 to celebrate our Métis champions, our identities, our history and our kinship ties. As usual, there will be music, food, laughter and sashes,” says Cyr.

“The work of Métis inclusion is growing and so is the number of Métis students who are attending UM and succeeding,” she continues. “I am inspired by the up-and-coming generation of fierce and brilliant Métis students and leaders in our midst, and I am excited for where we are going as a Nation.”

Collaborating with our partners

Joining Cyr’s team as director of cultural integration is Vanessa Lillie. A Cree and Métis woman with roots in Peguis First Nation, Lillie seeks possibilities to make our collective space more accessible, inclusive and healing. The cultural integration team also recently welcomed Meghan Young, thanks to a new partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation.

As Métis inclusion coordinator, Young, who is Red River Métis with ancestral ties to the Métis community of St. Norbert, who will be hosted at UM and will work in collaboration with UM, the Manitoba Métis Federation and the broader campus to create opportunities for Métis culture to be acknowledged and celebrated. Together, they will work to provide a full range of supports to Métis students, fostering resilience, cultural pride and academic success.

“Through my role I am excited to continue exploring opportunities to create a strong Métis community at UM. It is important that Métis students feel pride in their cultural identity and a strong sense of belonging,” says Young.

To stay updated on cultural events at UM, please visit the Indigenous events calendar. Please note: The Louis Riel Day celebration and other events follow UM’s masking policies.

There will be lots of ways to celebrate. At UM, in lieu of the annual celebration held at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge, everyone is encouraged to participate in the #MétisTakeover on social media on Friday, Feb. 18.

How can you participate? On Feb. 18, on your Instagram or Facebook, share through photo(s) or video how you would like to honour and celebrate Louis Riel Day.

• Strike a pose with your Métis sash
• Show us your best jig
• Serenade us with a beautiful Métis tune
• Read us a poem
• Tell us a story about your ancestors
• Tell us how proud you are to be Métis
• Share anything you want to honour Louis Riel and his legacy

Make sure to tag @UMIndigenous and use the hashtag #MétisTakeover on Facebook and Instagram.

“As a Métis person, I find it exciting to see the Métis community, especially young leaders on campus, celebrating what it is to be Métis and raising awareness of our shared history. We take this day to learn more about the contributions of Louis Riel and the Métis to this province. I encourage the UM community to reflect on this day and celebrate with us.” – Dr. Catherine Cook

“UM is committed to honouring Métis history, and Louis Riel Day is an important opportunity to honour that commitment,” says Michael Benarroch, UM President and Vice-Chancellor. “Louis Riel was a true visionary who dreamt of a province that embraced all cultures, and it is important for all Manitobans to know the history of our province and recognize Riel’s leadership. I encourage our community to pursue opportunities to learn more about Riel and the Red River Métis Nation.” – Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor

Consider checking out some of the upcoming events, organized by the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), Métis locals and others:

• Saturdays from Feb. 12-26 – 7 – 8 p.m. – Michif Storytelling Series hosted by the Gabriel Dumont Local 11. Register for the Zoom session.
• Saturday, Feb. 19 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Sunday, Feb. 20 – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – A virtual Red River Métis Youth Conference on Identity hosted by the MMF. The conference is open to all Red River Métis Youth between 15 to 29 years old. Register online.
• Monday, Feb. 21, 1 – 4 p.m. – Louis Riel Family Day at FortWhyte Alive, hosted by the Winnipeg Regional Youth Advisory Committee, will have hot chocolate and tea, a bonfire hot dog roast, voyageur games, a scavenger hunt and more! Must register by Feb. 17. Limited spots available.
• Monday, Feb. 21, 1 – 3 p.m. – The Two-Spirit Local is hosting a Beginner Michif Language workshop with Laura Forsythe for Two-Spirit Local members. Deadline to register is 12 p.m. on Feb. 18.
• Monday, Feb. 21, 1 – 6 p.m. – The Northwest Métis Council Inc. is hosting a virtual concert series to celebrate Louis Riel Day and will have fireworks in Dauphin, MB.
• Monday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Richer Métis Local is hosting a Louis Riel Day Celebration at the Dawson Trail Park in Richer, MB that includes traditional dance, song, fiddle music, ice skating, hayrides and a nice hot meal with stew and galette.

Want to research your Métis family history? Check out the Métis Nation Historical Database.

In lieu of the annual celebration that has taken place in Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge over the past several years, the Indigenous Student Centre at the University of Manitoba (UM) is sharing a series of videos about Métis identity, history and culture on social media. Other Métis-focused virtual events are taking place throughout February.

As a Métis person, I find it exciting to see the Métis community, especially young leaders on campus, celebrating what it is to be Métis and raising awareness of our shared history.

I have been working collaboratively with UM President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Michael Benarroch on these priorities and others related to the continued efforts of the Métis campus community to share their rich culture and history. We are grateful to the Manitoba Metis Federation for the ongoing support of the Métis inclusion coordinator position.

“I am thrilled to have recently returned to Manitoba, where the legacy of Riel and other Métis leaders is honoured,” said Dr. Benarroch. “I am also excited to see such a thriving and vibrant community of Métis students, faculty and staff at UM, including Métis inclusion coordinator Laura Forsythe, who is helping to create and lead learning and celebration opportunities for Métis students today and into the future.”

I encourage the UM community to check out the videos and other resources about Riel and the Métis in Manitoba, and to reflect on what Louis Riel Day means to our province and its history.

Marsi.

The women’s group is one of many opportunities for UM students, staff, faculty and community to plug into the wide-scope of virtual opportunities to engage in Métis culture.

With Louis Riel Day just around the corner, consider checking out some of the upcoming events, organized by various groups across campus, including the ISC, Métis University Students’ Association (MUSA), Native studies department and Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF):

Mondays – Métis Awareness Mondays hosted by the ISC and MMF. Watch for videos posted to the U of M Métis Facebook page each Monday.

Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – A virtual Métis Women’s Circle for those who self-identify as Métis women hosted by the ISC, MMF and MUSA. Find Zoom login information in the events calendar.

Feb. 15, 9 a.m. – Virtual Louis Riel Day celebration hosted by the MMF. Join the Facebook event page for updates.

Feb. 21, 12 – 3 p.m. – Métis 101 with Louis Riel Institute instructor of Métis history and culture Shirley Delorme Russell. All are welcome to register for this dynamic overview of Métis history supported by the MMF, MUSA and ISC.

Feb. 22 – March 22 – Follow U of M Métis social media on  Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to participate in the Maaschiitak (Let’s move) movement challenge. Enter daily by posting stories and photos of keeping active and tagging each page for entries to win gift cards and prizes!

Feb. 24, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – ‘Education and the Holistic Well-being of Youth’ with Dr. Jennifer Markides. Watch live on the Native studies department’s Facebook page.

Feb. 25, 12 – 1 p.m. – ‘Two-Eyed Seeing: Weaving Indigenous Ways of Knowing with Western Knowledge Systems’ with Dr. Sara Goulet hosted by the Office of Indigenous Engagement. Join the Zoom meeting or watch live on ISC’s Facebook page.  

March 10, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Daniels v. Canada: In and Beyond the Courts – A book launch with editor Dr. Nathalie Kermoal. Watch live on the Native studies department’s Facebook page.

This free event exists through a partnership between the Indigenous Student Centre, Indigenous Engagement, the Manitoba Metis Federation Bison Local and the Métis University Students’ Association and is open to everyone.

This year’s event will include fiddle music, jigging, delicious Métis fare and more. As with every year since its inception, a Métis sash will also be placed on the Louis Riel statue outside of Migizii Agamik.

Event agenda:

11 a.m. – Opening prayer
11:10 a.m. – Words from our guests
11:40 a.m. – Métis jigging by the Norman Chief Memorial Dancers
11:55 a.m. – Placing the sash on Louis Riel statue
12:05 p.m. – Lunch and entertainment provided by Jason Lepine and accompaniment
12:55 p.m. – Closing prayer