Mr. Speaker, being the former vice-president of the Northwest Territories Metis Association is an honour by way of wearing my Metis sash today in recognition of the father of the Metis revolution, Louis Riel.
This day in 1885 Louis Riel was hung for the Red River Rebellion. He was a leader and a man with foresight in regards to the battle of First Nation and Metis rights in western Canada. Louis started the First Nation rights as we know them today. The battle for settling treaties has crossed western Canada, the settling of land claims and the battle for constitutional protection and recognition for First Nations and Metis people in Canada.
Looking back 124 years, aboriginal people have come a long way. The challenges and the recognition of their rights in Canada are still a struggle today. It is still with us today with the leaders of today and the aboriginal people that basically strive for those rights can look back in regards to 124 years and realize that Louis Riel was a hero. His struggle and this battle for recognition of indigenous people’s rights in Canada wasn’t lost for all. He is a leader that has taken the sacrifice for what we have today as native people in Canada. The Metis people in Canada should celebrate that 124 years ago the struggle began with the death of Louis Riel. Native people, Metis rights, constitutional protection is something that is a result of the protection of section 35 of our Constitution, which means something to First Nations people. But yet today, people still do not recognize aboriginal land claims, aboriginal treaties and aboriginal rights when it comes to health care, education, dental care. Yet, Mr. Speaker, the struggle goes on.
Again, with that, I would like to say, mahsi, Louis. Thank you for the struggle. Without you, we wouldn’t be here where we are today. Mahsi.