Media Advisory - Louis Riel Day Events in Toronto Nov. 16, 2012

OTTAWA, Nov. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - On November 16, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Métis communities across Ontario are commemorating Louis Riel, the Métis leader who was executed by the Canadian Government on November 16, 1885, for leading the Northwest Resistance in defense of Métis rights. Events in Toronto will include:

• 9:00-9:45 am - Métis Flag Raising Ceremony, Toronto City Hall (Members' Lounge)
• 11:30-12:40 pm - Louis Riel Day Ceremony at Northwest Rebellion Monument in Queen's Park. Highlights of the ceremony will include:

• Address by Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario
• Greetings from Honourable Chris Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
• Greetings from Honourable Dave Levac, Speaker of the Ontario Legislature
• Greetings from Michael Prue, NDP MPP for Beaches East York
• Address by Jean Teillet, a Métis lawyer and descendent of Louis Riel
• A procession of Métis veterans, elders and a Legion Honour Guard.
• Laying wreaths in memory of Louis Riel at the Northwest Rebellion monument
• Traditional Métis feast in Legislature following the ceremon

Note:  President Gary Lipinski will be available for media interviews prior to and following the event.

• 2:00-5:00 pm - Law Society of Upper Canada Public Legal Education Event, at 130 Queen Street West. This event will include:

• Panel discussion on the state of Métis Law, Research and Self-government with Métis lawyers Jean Teillet and Jason Madden and Dr. Brenda McDougall, Chair of Métis Studies at the University of Ottawa
• Métis writer Maria Campbell will read from her book, Stories of the Road Allowance People.

More information including complete agendas for all activities can be found at:
http://www.metisnation.org/news--media/news/19th-annual-louis-riel-day-commemorative-ceremony

SOURCE: METIS NATION OF ONTARIO

Mike Fedyk, MNO Director of Communications, 613-798-1488 (office), 613-314-9402 (cell)