Sask. events to commemorate Louis Riel on Nov. 16, the anniversary of his death

Events in Saskatchewan this weekend will mark the 139th anniversary of the execution of Louis Riel. 

Riel, the first president and leader of the Métis Nation, was charged with treason and hanged on Nov. 16, 1885, at the Northwest Mounted Police barracks in Regina. 

The Gabriel Dumount Institute (GDI) will hold a ceremony Saturday in remembrance of Riel and Métis veterans, in partnership with Parks Canada and Friends of Batoche.

"Louis Riel was our leader, our most famous leader," said David Morin, who works at GDI as a curriculum developer. 

"It's important because we can't forget," he said. "These people fought for us, for our rights, for our freedoms, and we can't forget that. We have to honour them and keep those memories alive." 

The event will be held at the Batoche National Historic Site in Batoche, Sask., roughly 90 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. 

The ceremony will also include a book launch for Métis Matriarchs Agents of Transition, edited by Cheryl Troupe and Doris Jeanne MacKinnon.

Morin said the book is about Métis women in the 19th and 20th century. The goal is to teach the world about the role women played in the history of Métis people. 

"This book is meant to bring these stories to life and share them," he said. "The women were the matriarchs, and they had a lot of influence in the culture and the community." 

The event will feature a reading from the book after the laying of a wreath at the Batoche cemetery. 

Meanwhile, the 15th annual Louis Riel Vigil Walk will be held on Saturday in Regina.

Wendy Gervias, a regional director with the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, said this walk started with a group of Métis people who wanted to ensure people understood the significance of the day. 

"We've continued that tradition," she said. "We invite all citizens in Regina and from surrounding areas who are near to come and join us." 

Participants will walk from Optimist Park to the RCMP Heritage Centre, located on Dewdney Avenue, then have a memorial service in remembrance of the Métis leader. 

Gervias said there will traditional food and meaningful discussion about the significance of the day.

Gervais said teaching history is an important step toward ensuring it does not repeat itself. 

"It's key that we continue to do this, and continue to remind not just our citizens, but citizens at large, of who we are by taking back our space and letting people know that we are Canadians, we are an important part of that history." 

The event is held in partnership with Regina Public Library.