Media Advisory - Louis Riel Day Events in Toronto Nov. 16, 2011

TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2011 /CNW/ - On November 16, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) will join other Métis communities across Ontario in 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 Metis. Highlights in Toronto will include:

• 9:00-9:45 am - Métis Flag Raising Ceremony, Toronto City Hall (viewed from Members' Lounge)
• 11:30-12:30 pm - Louis Riel Day Ceremony at Northwest Rebellion Monument in Queen's Park.
  Highlights of the ceremony will include: (The full agenda at www.metisnation.org)
• Address by Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario
• Address by the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
• Remarks from Sarah Campbell, Aboriginal Affairs Critic, New Democratic Party
• 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 ceremony

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

• 4:00-8:00 pm - Law Society of Upper Canada Public Legal Education Event, at 130 Queen Street West. This event will include:
• Update and panel discussion with lawyers Jean Teillet, Jason Madden and Jim Aldridge, who are each currently involved in Métis Rights litigation including the Manitoba Métis Federation case that goes before the Supreme Court on December 13.
• Readings from Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont by author Joseph Boyden.

A Louis Riel Day video produced by the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs can be viewed at:
http://www.aboriginalaffairs.gov.on.ca/english/events/louis_riel_day.asp

For further information:

Mike Fedyk
MNO Director of Communications
613-314-9402 (cell)