Statement from Premier Wab Kinew on Louis Riel Day

February 17, 2025

Today, as Manitobans gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday weekend, it’s important to reflect on the contributions our first premier, Louis Riel, made to this province.

Louis Riel is the reason I speak French, the reason I get to serve as premier and the reason we are all Manitobans.

Riel and other Red River Métis formed a provisional government and presented Canada with a bill of rights, which led to Manitoba entering the Confederation with the 1870 Manitoba Act.

The bill of rights included protection for language rights and religious freedoms, representation in Ottawa and a demand that treaties made with First Nations be honoured.

For generations, Red River Métis people in Manitoba have fought for recognition, dignity and respect in our province. Our government was proud to introduce legislation to officially recognize Riel as Manitoba’s first premier, as Riel’s leadership forever changed the shape of Canada.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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