Premier Kinew, President Chartrand, members of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

Ladies and gentlemen.

It is an honour to join you to commemorate Louis Riel – a foundational figure in the histories of Manitoba and Canada.

One hundred and forty years after his execution divided a young nation, Riel’s legacy helps unite a maturing Canada.

A Canada that is determined to reconcile with – and learn from – our history.

Throughout his life, Louis Riel struggled for social justice and fought to defend Métis rights and identity.

The Métis played an important role in Canada’s history, as traders and experienced voyageurs.

Relying on their deep knowledge of our lands, our waterways, and the seasons, the Métis created and managed vast trade networks across Canada.

But their path was not easy. They were faced with a lack of acknowledgement and with injustice.

As the President of the Provisional Government of Assiniboia, Louis Riel envisioned a province where all peoples would be welcomed.

Considered a traitor by the government at the time, Riel fought to defend the language, culture, and rights of the Métis.

Today, we acknowledge the defining role he played in enshrining the rights of the Métis in the Constitution.

This achievement was made possible through his negotiations on the Manitoba Act.

Riel’s title as the Father of Manitoba alludes to much more than his negotiations for this province to join confederation.

It captures his relentless drive for the Métis to be full partners in Canada, and his guiding principles in establishing the province.

The rights of the Métis were only recently recognised, and this process continues today.

The Government of Canada is committed to listening to your views, advancing the Métis cause, and building a better future together.

While reconciliation is a process yet unfinished, progress has been made and the trajectory is encouraging.

Partnership, open dialogue, and building together are how we must move forward.

How we can fulfil the vision of the man we are here today to commemorate.

How we will honour the legacy of Louis Riel.