Reconciling a painful past by continuing heartfelt traditions
In recognition of Louis Riel Memorial Day, dignitaries, staff and students gathered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic for a special flag raising, followed by a traditional lunchtime feast prepared by Saskatchewan’s very own Sioux Chef, Dickie Yuzicapi. November 16th marked 132 years since Riel’s execution, and Métis people still honour his attributes, sharing his cultural legacy with an official flag raising, traditional feast, and a special memorial accompaniment.
Xavier Fisher, Coordinator for the Indigenous Student Centre on Campus at Saskatchewan Polytechnic had a very personal story about this day’s significance to him and his family. Fisher shared that his blood line is heavily involved in the resistance - he self-identified as a Métis (“Michif”) person, while sharing that his family had their lands taken from them, had fought for those lands, and in so doing his great-great-grandfather Jean-Baptiste Montour, and his father-in-law, Isadore Dumont Jr. became the first casualties at the Battle of Duck Lake (Isadore’s dad was brother’s to one of chef Dickie’s grandmothers). Yuzicapi and Fisher both described the Métis sash and imparted their time-honoured wisdoms as they described the symbolism of each colour within, as well as the multi-purposefulness of, the sash. Sashes could be worn in battle or during hunts and used as a tourniquet for the wounded, they served as helpful tools for carrying essentials and taking down trees, and the tassels could be used for sewing clothing or other minor repairs. Fisher concluded his portion of the ceremony by inviting participants to accompany him as he demonstrated a traditional Métis jig.
When asked for his reflections on Louis Riel Memorial Day and the Sask Polytech events, Campus Facilities Manager, Cory Amiskusees shared, “Today is a significant day to honour one of the founders of Canada. Being an indigenous person, it’s certainly a time when we can reflect on the contributions of the Métis people to our country, the province of Manitoba and all the traditions they bring. Here at the campus, there is a significant proportion of Métis people here and I just think it’s part of our inclusiveness and our way to celebrate diversity here today.”
Lee Pearce, Sask Polytech Manager Health and Safety and Security is of Métis background. Pearce believes it’s really important to honour Louis Riel day, and acknowledge our past. “I think it’s important for Truth and Reconciliation,” said Pearce, “as well as showing our future generations that we don’t forget the past and so we don’t make the same mistakes in the future. I plan to involve my young son when I get the opportunities to make sure he’s well educated about stuff like this…it’s going to be his generation that really contributes a lot to this. I often say that our children will not grow up in the same world we did. It’s gonna be a lot better, I think.” Rosemarie Zaba Stewart, Indigenous Student Advisor with Indigenous Strategy, echoed Pearce’s affirmation, adding: “It’ll be safer for [the next generation]; and it will be gentler and kinder and more accepting. They will be freer to be themselves and be proud of their heritage, so we’re all proud of that.”
Darrell Hawman, Moose Jaw Métis Local 160 Vice President attended the flag raising and said that the local is up and running again. Keep tuned for more information coming soon.