Summary
Highlights
Melanie Walsh of McMurray Métis Local 1935 introduces Louis Riel Day, commemorating the hanging of Louis Riel on November 16, 1885, for his resistance against Canadian encroachment on Métis lands. She highlights him as a hero who fought for Métis rights and identity.
Peter Hanson and Kelly Myers, President and Vice-President of McMurray Métis Local, share the significance of Louis Riel Day. They explain the Métis infinity symbol, representing the union of two cultures and the nation's immortality, and discuss the historical Métis flags. They emphasize the ongoing struggle for Métis recognition and rights in various aspects of life.
Melanie Walsh discusses the deep Métis roots in Fort McMurray, noting that the town's namesake, William McMurray, was Métis. She highlights the presence of Métis ancestors in the region and announces the participation of 24 schools in learning about Métis history. Louis Riel's birth in the Red River settlement in 1844 is mentioned.
Madeline Height provides a historical overview of the Métis, identifying them as one of Canada's three indigenous groups, born from relationships between European settlers and First Nations. She traces their origins from the 1600s with the fur trade, the formation of Métis communities, and their settlement along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.
The conflict arising from Lord Selkirk's land grant to Scottish settlers along the Red River is discussed, leading to the Battle of Seven Oaks where the Métis and North West Company fought the Hudson's Bay Company. The significance of the Métis infinity flag, the oldest patriotic flag in Canada, is explained, with both blue and red versions representing different historical affiliations.
The merging of the North West Company and Hudson's Bay Company in 1821 is highlighted, increasing Métis presence in the Red River settlements. The establishment of the first residential school in 1831 and the birth of Louis Riel in 1844 are noted. The 1850s saw a battle between the Métis and Dakota over bison hunting, establishing co-sharing of resources.
With Canada's formation in 1867, Rupert's Land (Métis homeland) was sold to Canada, leading to land surveying and conflict. Louis Riel led the Métis in forming a provisional government, negotiating with Canada, which resulted in the birth of Manitoba through the Manitoba Act. The subsequent 'reign of terror' against the Métis and Riel's exile, and the bounty on his head, are detailed.
The escalation of tensions culminates in the Battle of Batoche. Riel, returning from exile to support the Métis, is captured, tried for high treason, and despite a jury recommendation for clemency, is executed at 41 years old. This event led to many Métis losing their homes and migrating south or west.
The script system, intended to provide land or money to the Métis but often fraudulent, is described. Alberta and Saskatchewan become provinces in 1905, and the Métis face continued land appropriation and forced relocation. The video highlights the closure of the last residential school in 1996 and the Métis' recognition as one of Canada's three Indigenous peoples via the Constitution Act, 1982.
Recent achievements include the Métis Nations of Alberta signing a self-governing agreement with Canada and the McMurray Métis purchasing former Moccasin Flats land to build a cultural center. Madeline Height, now an audio-visual specialist for McMurray Métis, is introduced for her contributions.
The importance of Métis self-government is emphasized, inspired by Louis Riel's life-long efforts. Various levels of Métis leadership are introduced, from local to national, including Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, who acknowledges Riel's heroic efforts and the ongoing fight for traditional knowledge, culture, and self-determination.
The segment delves deeper into Louis Riel's early life, from his birth in 1844 to his education in Montreal. It explains the Red River Rebellion, where Riel returned to prevent land surveys, formed the Métis National Council, and seized Upper Fort Garry, leading to the formation of Manitoba through the Manitoba Act. The execution of Thomas Scott by the provisional government is also detailed.
Following the Manitoba Act, Riel fled to the US to avoid repercussions for Thomas Scott's execution. He briefly returned, demonstrating commitment to peace with Canada. Despite a bounty on his head, he was elected to the House of Commons multiple times, reflecting mixed public opinions of him as a hero or murderer. He was eventually banished for five years, settling in Montana, marrying, and having children.
The context of the Northwest Resistance is set with Indigenous groups facing hardships due to diminishing bison and land loss. Gabriel Dumont sought Riel's help, leading to the formation of a provisional government in Saskatchewan. The Métis engaged in battles like Duck Lake and Fish Creek, ultimately leading to the Battle of Batoche where, short on ammunition, the Métis were overrun. Riel surrendered on May 15th.
Riel's treason trial in Regina is recounted, where he refused an insanity defense to uphold the Métis cause. Despite a jury recommending clemency, he was executed. The video emphasizes that his legacy lives on through his family and every Métis person, who view him as a hero for solidifying Métis identity and defending the voiceless.
Cassidy Caron, the first woman president of the Métis National Council, sends a message from unceded Algonquin territory. She celebrates Louis Riel Day, recognizing his crucial role in Métis history and Canadian identity. She draws inspiration from Riel, who became president at 25, and emphasizes the ongoing fight for Métis rights in modern courts, urging continued learning and drawing strength from Riel's courage.
The video concludes by inviting students to create an eight-box comic strip illustrating the life and times of Louis Riel, quoting his belief that artists would restore the spirit of his people. Winners from each class will receive a prize, and viewers are encouraged to follow McMurray Métis on social media to stay connected and for more inspiration.