This is an important year to celebrate Louis Riel Day because Louis Riel has been officially recognized as Manitoba’s honorary first premier.
At age 25, Louis Riel formed a provisional government to give the Métis, and all the people of Red River, a voice in any plans for Canada to annex lands the Hudson’s Bay Company believed it owned. In May of 1870, he presented a Bill of Rights to Canada that became the Manitoba Act, 1870, which created the new province of Manitoba and brought it into Confederation.
“Recognizing Louis Riel as Manitoba’s honorary first premier has been a long time coming and marks an important step in Manitoba’s collective journey towards Reconciliation,” said Dr. Chantal Fiola, Interim Associate Vice-President – Indigenous Engagement.
UWinnipeg community members are encouraged to celebrate this day. Learn more about Louis Riel and find resources on the Province of Manitoba website.
The University of Winnipeg and The Collegiate are closed Monday February 19, 2024 and will reopen Tuesday February 20, 2024.
