Louis Riel Day
205 days until Louis Riel Day
About Louis Riel Day
Louis Riel Day is a provincial statutory holiday in Manitoba, celebrated on the third Monday of February. It honours the Métis leader recognized as the founding father of Manitoba, providing a winter long weekend dedicated to cultural heritage and provincial history.
History
Louis Riel led the Red River Resistance of 1869–1870, advocating for the land, language, and cultural rights of the Métis people. He spearheaded the formation of a provisional government that drafted a List of Rights, which formed the foundation of the Manitoba Act of 1870 and brought Manitoba into Canadian Confederation as the fifth province.
In 2007, the Manitoba Legislative Assembly enacted legislation to establish a mid-winter statutory holiday. Manitoba school children participated in a contest to name the new holiday, and eleven schools submitted the winning entry, 'Louis Riel Day,' which was first officially celebrated in February 2008.
Traditions & Celebrations
Manitobans commemorate the day by participating in Métis cultural activities, including traditional fiddling, jigging performances, beadwork demonstrations, and historic storytelling. The holiday frequently overlaps with Winnipeg's Festival du Voyageur, where families gather for ice carving, traditional meals, and winter recreation. Flag-raising ceremonies displaying the Métis infinity flag and educational displays at historical sites like Riel House are also common.
Did you know?
- The official name of the holiday was selected through a province-wide contest for schoolchildren in 2007, with 11 schools submitting the winning name.
- In 1992, the Parliament of Canada officially passed a resolution recognizing Louis Riel as the founder of Manitoba.
- While Manitoba observes Louis Riel Day in February, Métis communities across Canada also commemorate November 16—the anniversary of Riel's execution in 1885—as a day of remembrance.
- The holiday occurs on the same date as Family Day in several other Canadian provinces, but its theme in Manitoba is distinct to local history and Métis culture.
Louis Riel Day dates by year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louis Riel Day a statutory holiday across Canada?
No, Louis Riel Day is a statutory public holiday exclusively in Manitoba. Other Canadian provinces observe different regional holidays on the third Monday of February, such as Family Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, or Islander Day.
When was the first Louis Riel Day celebrated in Manitoba?
The holiday was created by provincial legislation in September 2007 and was celebrated for the first time on February 18, 2008.
Why is Louis Riel considered the founder of Manitoba?
Riel led the provisional government that established the terms for the Red River territory joining Canada, directly prompting the creation of the province of Manitoba through the Manitoba Act of 1870.