Louis Riel Day is a significant public holiday in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Celebrated on the third Monday in February, it was established in 2008, and the first celebrations took place in 2009. This holiday is named in honor of Louis Riel, an essential figure in Manitoba's formation as a province and a significant leader in the Métis community.
Louis Riel was a Métis politician, resistance leader, and founder of Manitoba province. He led a popular yet controversial resistance movement against the Canadian government called the Red River Rebellion in the 1860s, which resulted in the establishment of the province of Manitoba in 1870. Despite having a controversial reputation, Riel remains a respected figure for the role he played in advocating for the rights of the Métis people and his significant contribution to Canadian confederation.
Louis Riel Day is a statutory holiday in Manitoba, meaning many people there get the day off. The day is observed with various cultural events and activities, focusing not just on Louis Riel's life and legacy, but broader issues of social justice, cultural diversity, and human rights. Often, these events include traditional Métis music, dance, art, and food, as well as educational programs about the Métis people and their culture.