Métis Week

Every year, on November 16, Canadians gather to commemorate the significant legacy of Right Honourable Louis Riel, an advocate and defender of Métis rights. In Alberta, the week surrounding this event is held and honoured as Métis Week where Canadians can commemorate the legacy of Riel and reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Métis people to our province and nation.

Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to reconciliation and creating an inclusive, culturally diverse campus for everyone. And, in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and our commitment toward Indigenization, the Polytechnic community can gather and commemorate with and learn from Indigenous peoples.

We invite you to join us for one or all of the events taking place from Monday, November 13 to Friday, November 17. 

Monday, November 13 to Friday, November 17

November 13

• Métis Flag Raising Ceremony and the release of RDP's Reconcili-Action Plan | 11 am | Red Deer Polytechnic's Main Campus, flag pole near front entrance
  • Open to the Public
• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

November 14

• Métis Veterans Presentation with Brian St. Germain | 10 am | Cornerstone (Room 1500)
  • In recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, Information on the war efforts and contributions of Indigenous soldiers will be shared with participants. The session will highlight the story of Brian's Cree father's WWII experience and his time spent as a Prisoner of War in Italy and Germany. 
• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

November 15

• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

November 16

LOUIS RIEL DAY

• Dream Catcher Creation | 6 - 8 pm | Room 2602
  • Open to the Public 
  • Participants must register by email to mnalocal492 [at] metis [dot] org (mnalocal492[at]metis[dot]org)
• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

November 17

• Soup and Bannock Lunch | 12 pm | Cornerstone (Room 1500)
  • Open to the Public
• Rupertsland Institution Education Feature 
• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

Additional Resources:

• Rupertsland Institute 
• Métis Nation of Alberta Cultural Resources
• Learn the Red River Métis Jig on YouTube
• The Story of Métis in Canada on YouTube 

Learn more about Indigenous Students Services and Initiatives at Red Deer Polytechnic.