In honour of Louis Riel Day, Les Metis Local held a celebration at Minnedosa’s Heritage Village,  a pioneer village featuring restored heritage buildings. The February holiday is particularly significant to the Métis peoples of Manitoba who fought to have Louis Riel’s contribution to the founding of the province recognised.

"Today we just wanted to pay respect and honour to all the Red River Métis of Manitoba that have been struggling for many years to show that our leader was not a traitor but a leader that loved his people so much that we're here today and we're fighting it to this day,” said Barbara Fleury, Chairperson of Les Métis Local. She also noted that on that same day in the provincial legislature, Louis Riel was finally having his portrait hung as the first premier of Manitoba.

The celebration in Minnedosa included food and games and was free for everyone in the community to attend because, as Fleury said, the Métis have always welcomed other people into their circle.

Also on site at the Heritage Village was Lil’ Métis Shop in the Prairies, artisan-made products crafted by Red River Métis entrepreneur Sabrina Bornkessel. Bornkessel learned many crafting skills in her youth and others were self-taught, but on the business side of things she also got help from Infinity Women Secretariat, an affiliate of the Manitoba Métis Federation that connects and empowers Métis women across the province of Manitoba.

Full News & Views Program:
00:00 Introduction
02:50 Louis Riel Day at Minnedosa Heritage Village with Les Métis Local
14:07 Darts Association Zone 3 Qualifier & Provincial Championship
19:13 Titans vs. Waywayseecappo Wolverines, Feb. 27 highlights