QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation critic Sol Mamakwa released the following statement on Louis Riel day. Mamakwa participated in the Métis Nation of Ontario’s provincial Louis Riel Day Ceremony at Queen's Park Friday morning.
“Today, Ontario’s New Democrats join the Métis Nation of Ontario and all Ontarians to recognize the history and distinct culture of the Métis people. We also recognize Louis Riel Day as an opportunity to remember Riel, and honour his leadership and his lifelong dedication to the fight to preserve Métis territorial and cultural rights.
Remembering Riel is a reminder to all Ontarians of the many Indigenous leaders who have come before us, who are with us now, and who will make up part of our future. They must shape and direct Ontario’s efforts towards true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples throughout this province.
On behalf of Leader of the Opposition Andrea Horwath and Ontario’s NDP MPPs, I am proud to join with the Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis people across our province as we acknowledge the life and work of Louis Riel. We will continue to work to honour his legacy, and educate this generation and all those who will come after, as part of our efforts to reconcile our relationship with Ontario and Canada.”