Louis Riel Day has likely been celebrated each November 16th in Prince George since the city’s inauguration, but in recent years it’s visibility has been low. This year multiple entities worked together to change that, putting on events at both of Prince George’s post-secondary campuses.
Louis Riel day marks the untimely death of the Metis insurrectionists at the hands of the Canadian Government, but celebrates his legacy and Metis heritage in general. Over at CNC our community’s inaugural screening of We Are Metis took place Thursday Nov 14th. Meanwhile at UNBC on Friday November 15th opportunities to practise traditional art alongside musical performance take place.
This year increased media attention reflected both events. Shannon MacKay at UNBC’s First Nations Centre agreed that persistence was paying off, but so was collaboration with multiple community partners. CNC, UNBC, Metis Nation BC, Metis charter community members, and the annual Inspiring Women Among Us conference all participated and shared resources.
