Louis Riel Day – Circles for Reconciliation

The third Monday of February is recognized annually as Louis Riel Day. Held February 17^th, 2025, this day is celebrated in Manitoba as a day to honor the life and legacy of Louis Riel, a Métis leader, politician, and founder of the province of Manitoba.

Louis Riel was a prominent Métis leader known for his role in defending the rights and culture of the Métis people. Throughout his life, Riel led two resistance movements against the Canadian government, the Red River Resistance and the North-West Rebellion, to fight for Indigenous and Métis rights. Further, Riel’s leadership was instrumental in the creation of Manitoba as a province in 1870 and his vision of a Canada that respected the rights of Indigenous and Métis people continues to influence the country today.

Louis Riel Day is an opportunity for Manitobans to celebrate Métis culture, history, and contributions to Canada. It is a time to reflect on Riel’s role in shaping the province and to recognize the ongoing efforts to preserve Métis identity and rights. This day also serves as a reminder of the broader struggles Indigenous communities have faced in Canada and the importance of reconciliation.

There are many community events such as cultural performances, educational activities, and community gatherings taking place throughout the province to honor Riel’s legacy. By observing Louis Riel Day, Manitobans pay tribute to a leader who fought for justice, equality, and the recognition of the Métis people in Canada.

Louis Riel Day at the Forks: https://www.theforks.com/events/calendar-of-events/event/897

Lac du Bonnet Winter Family Fun Day: https://www.facebook.com/events/1109446007596240/

Louis Riel Day at FortWhyte Alive: https://www.fortwhyte.org/event/voyageur-games-2/2024-02-19/

Voyageur Day at Oak Hammock Marsh: https://www.oakhammockmarsh.ca/events/voyageur-day-2/

Louis Riel Family Skate at Pritchard Park: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=717648140470363&set=a.431755682392945

The Winnipeg administrative offices of Circles for Reconciliation are on Treaty 1 territory – the traditional land of the Ininiw (Cree), Anishinábé (Ojibwé), Anisininew (Ojibwé Cree), Dakota and Dene people, as well as the Birthplace of the Métis Nation and the Heart of the Métis Homeland. Circles for Reconciliation is an Indigenous-led non-profit corporation, with at least 51 % of our Board of Directors being peoples of First Nation, Inuit, or Métis status. Circles for Reconciliation is a registered charity, registration no. 748256930 RR 0001.
Circles for Reconciliation is grateful for all who have joined the journey to reconciliation on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. We acknowledge that Tkaronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa Bands. As of October 31, 2023, we sadly had to lay off the Toronto Team due to severe lack of funding. Our Winnipeg team will continue to address the waiting registrants or hosts in this area.
Artwork by Eugene Demas. Eugene was well featured in Calgary's Bow Museum and known for his use of pencil crayons.

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The Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe

These teachings form part of our openings for all Circles.

Circles for Reconciliation Inc. recognizes that all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have their own cultural teachings that encompass the morals and values of conduct.On page 30 of “Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future.”, it states that The Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe—Respect, Courage, Love, Truth, Humility, Honesty, and Wisdom—served as the themes for the seven National Events, and ceremony and traditional observance played an important part in the National Events. It is recognized that there are many adaptions of the teachings. We encourage each circle to adapt the Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe to the needs of their circle.

View all the guidelines that we use to ensure respectful and consistent gatherings.

LOVE: it is more important to care for one another
HONESTY: better to fail with honesty than succeed by fraud
RESPECT: give it, earn it, receive it
TRUTH: it is always easiest to speak the truth
HUMILITY: to be humble about your accomplishments is to be strong
COURAGE: let nothing stand in the way of doing the right thing
WISDOM: with hard work and dedication will come knowledge

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The Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe

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