[Celebrating Louis Riel Day in Ontario]
[November 16, 2009]
[Gary Lipinski]
[President, Métis Nation of Ontario]
Were here in an island of a Métis commercial fisherman, commercial fisheries that have been passed down from generation to generation through Métis families and the fisheries is symbolic of some of the struggles that Métis people had to continue their livelihood here on the land doing what your ancestors were doing before you. It is also an important part of the economy, both to Ontario and Canada. One of the challenges we face though, is getting others to recognize us as distinct community and distinct nation within Canada.
[Bonny Cann]
[Métis Nation of Ontario]
It's a very rich history; it's a very exciting history. Were one of the few I think, ethnic groups in the world that are divined by what our ancestors did for a living. So being involved in the fur trade, the voyageurs. Im very proud of the history, for me-being Métis means that I get to utilize the gifts of both my sides.
[Gary Lipinski]
[President, Métis Nation of Ontario]
November sixteenth, eighteen eighty five is the date that Louis Riel was executed. We recognize the day as a way of reminding governments and people and truly recognizing, respecting Métis people in Ontario and across Canada.
[Brad Duguid]
[Minister of Aboriginal Affairs]
We need to know who we are as a people, the Métis nation has done a lot of great things for this country and we are who we are today because in part of their contribution. It's a day to acknowledge the significant contribution that Louis Riel made to our history and Canada and Ontario right across this nation.
[Bonny Cann]
[Métis Nation of Ontario]
He fought, and he advocated on behalf of first nations, Métis and also the non aboriginal people. It's something about our history in our ancestors who walk with us everyday. And their there to remind who we are.
[Ontario.ca/maa]