Louis Riel Day is a Canadian holiday observed annually on the third Monday of February, which falls on February 20 this year. The day is named in honour of Manitoba’s founder. It honours Louis Riel’s eventful life and contributions as a Canadian politician. Several streets, buildings, institutes, public libraries, and residences in Canada have been named in his honour. Riel represented the Métis community of the Canadian Prairie Provinces and was instrumental in establishing Manitoba as a Canadian province. Although Louis Riel Day is a provincial holiday in Manitoba, it is not recognised in the other provinces. Consequently, federal offices are open on this day, whereas local services, schools, and businesses are closed.
The background of Louis Riel Day
The purpose of Louis Riel Day is to honour the Manitoban people’s heritage. Family Day is observed on the third Monday of February in many provinces. In 2007, the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba approved this holiday, which was first observed on February 18, 2007. When asked to come up with a name for this new holiday, students from Manitoban schools drew inspiration from the province’s sports, art, culture, history, and notable personalities. Louis Riel Day was deemed the winning submission.
On this occasion, the Métis community in particular pays tribute to their hero. Riel fought for the rights and recognition of this group of indigenous Canadians throughout his entire life. He led two major rebellions against white settlers and the federal government to defend the Métis-inhabited Red River region.
He founded the Métis National Committee in the late 1860s to preserve the cultural, social, and political heritage of the Métis. The Red River Resistance was the result of this committee’s efforts. When the government of Canada decided to seize Métis land, Riel organised a militia. By passing the Manitoba Act, he demanded the creation of a new province on behalf of the Métis. By the end of the conflict, Riel’s reputation was already controversial. In the eyes of the government, he was nothing more than a criminal, despite his elevated status among the Métis.
In 1870, the Manitoba Act was passed, recognising the new province. Riel was however tried for treason against the state and expelled from Parliament. This did not prevent Riel from aiding another rebellion in 1885, the North-West Rebellion. This ultimately led to his execution in November 1885 by the Canadian government.
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Louis Riel Day: 5 FACTS
Louis Riel is known as the “Father of Manitoba” due to his leadership of the Métis National Committee, which was consolidated into a provisional government that led to the formation of Manitoba.
The C.B.C. poll “The Greatest Canadian” ranks Riel as the eleventh “Greatest Canadian” based on public votes.
Each time, he was expelled for being late in accepting admission.
He experienced nervous breakdowns and violent outbursts after his exile.
Despite the fact that the Métis viewed him as their champion, the white settlers viewed him as a traitorous troublemaker.
LOUIS RIEL DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 21 | Monday |
| 2023 | February 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | February 19 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 16 | Monday |
