Culture & Events

June 21 Métis Day Celebrations

Every June 21, we celebrate Métis Day during National Indigenous Peoples Day. This event includes traditional games, prizes, and fun for all ages.

November Métis Week

For one week every November, we join Métis across the nation in sharing and celebrating our culture. We work with the Town of Slave Lake to raise our flag for the month of November, host activities including an annual Open House with a Stew & Bannock luncheon, host a free Family Dinner in partnership with the Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre, and invite guests such as the Edmonton Métis Dancers.

During this week, our active Elders enjoy the Annual Métis Youth & Seniors Gatherings both locally and in Ottawa. In 2020, our Region 5 Elder Herb Anderson contributed to the second Tri-Council meeting in Ottawa.

Louis Riel Day

For one week every November, we join Métis across the nation in sharing and celebrating Louis Riel Day is held every year on November 16 across the Métis homelands. November 16 is the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. During that year, Riel led Métis people in the Northwest Resistance, which was a stand against the Government of Canada because it was encroaching on Metis rights and our way-of-life. The Métis were defeated at the siege of Batoche and the Canadian government captured Riel. He was eventually put on trial where he was convicted of treason and executed. As a result, Métis people across Canada were labeled as traitors and for generations many felt the need to hide their Métis culture and heritage. Despite this oppression, many Métis people found a way to preserve their way-of-life and passed it on to current generations. Today, the strength of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is a testament to the courage of our ancestors.