News and Announcements

EDMONTON – A commemorative Louis Riel ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 16 at 11 a.m. in the Legislature rotunda. The ceremony is hosted by Angela Pitt, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (on behalf of Hon. Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) and the Métis Nation of Alberta concluding Métis Week 2024. 

“Louis Riel will always be remembered as a defender of the Métis culture. We pay tribute to his contributions while we celebrate the Métis, their traditions and their ongoing devotion to this beautiful country,” said Speaker Cooper.

Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, added, "On November 16th, we commemorate the life and legacy of Louis Riel. Riel’s vision set a course for the Métis people, one that has guided us for more than 139 years. Riel believed in a future where the Métis could chart their own course—a vision embodied in the word 'Otipemisiwak,' meaning 'the people who govern themselves.' Today, as we continue our path towards self-government, we pay tribute to Louis Riel for taking those early steps on this journey." 

The ceremony is open to the public and will include a colour guard, prayers, a performance by the Prince Charles Fiddlers and remarks by Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Watch the ceremony on assembly.ab.ca, the Legislative Assembly’s X(Twitter), Facebook and YouTube channels.

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Media inquiries:
Karleigh Stevenson, Communications Consultant
Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Mobile: 780.873.2985
Email: laocommunications@assembly.ab.ca