Media Advisory:

City of Toronto to raise Métis flag in honour of Louis Riel Day

Mayor Olivia Chow will join Métis leaders and community members to raise the Métis flag and proclaim Thursday, November 16 as Louis Riel Day in Toronto. The flag raising honours the contributions of Louis Riel and the Métis people to the development of Canada. To commemorate the day, the Toronto Sign on Nathan Phillips Square will be lit in the Métis colours of blue and white.

Date: Thursday, November 16

Time: 8.45 a.m.

Location: Podium Roof, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

Speakers and performers:

  • Mayor Olivia Chow
  • Margaret Froh, President, Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario
  • Shirley Debassige, President, Toronto & York Region Métis Council
  • Suzanne Brunelle, Senator, Toronto & York Region Métis Council
  • Marissa Magneson, Youth Representative, Toronto & York Region Métis Council
    Alicia Blore, fiddler
  • Teagan de Laronde and Megan Southwell, jiggers
  • Remarks, traditional Métis jig dance performances and a reception (not open to the public) will follow immediately after the flag raising in the Members’ Lounge.

Louis Riel Day is acknowledged every year in Ontario on November 16 on the anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution for leading the Northwest Resistance of 1885 in what is now Saskatchewan. In 2022, an apology was issued by the then Mayor on behalf of the City of Toronto for its role in contributing to the militarized action against Métis people. More information on the apology and Louis Riel Day is available on the City’s webpage.

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter (opens in new window), Instagram (opens in new window)or Facebook (opens in new window).

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