Métis Week

Every year, on November 16, Canadians gather to commemorate the significant legacy of Right Honourable Louis Riel, an advocate and defender of Métis rights. In Alberta, the week surrounding this event is held and honoured as Métis Week where Canadians can commemorate the legacy of Riel and reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Métis people to our province and nation.

Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to reconciliation and creating an inclusive, culturally diverse campus for everyone. And, in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and our commitment toward Indigenization, the Polytechnic community can gather and commemorate with and learn from Indigenous peoples.

We invite you to join us for one or all of the events taking place from Monday, November 14 to Friday, November 18. 

Monday, November 14 to Friday, November 18

November 14

• Indigenous Games with Red Deer Native Friendship Society | Red Deer Bottling Forum | 12pm 

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• Métis Resource Display with Christi Belcourt Spotlight and Colouring Pages | Red Deer Polytechnic Library | All Day
• Métis Resource Corner | RBC on Campus | All Day

• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

November 15

• Métis Resource Display with Christi Belcourt Spotlight and Colouring Pages | Red Deer Polytechnic Library | All Day
• Métis Resource Corner | RBC on Campus | All Day
• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

November 16

Louis Riel Day

• Learning Session with Brian St. Germain on Indigenous Veterans | Cornerstone (Room 1500), Main Campus | 2pm
  • In recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, Information on the war efforts and contributions of Indigenous soldiers will be shared with participants. The session will highlight the story of Brian's Cree father's WWII experience and his time spent as a Prisoner of War in Italy and Germany.

• Métis Resource Display with Christi Belcourt Spotlight and Colouring Pages | Red Deer Polytechnic Library | All Day
• Métis Resource Corner | RBC on Campus | All Day
• Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP): Métis Mosaic Puzzle and Christi Belcourt Colouring Page Activities | Red Deer Polytechnic Library | 5pm to 2am
• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

For Faculty and Staff

• Tea & Chat with Learning Designers Doris McKinnon and Patricia Marshall | 10am to 11am | CTL
  • The Centre for Teaching and Learning is pleased to invite you to share in our Tea and Conversation in recognition of Métis Week. Join the CTL team and learn about their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This is also an opportunity to learn about the work of some of our Learning Designers in the field of Métis scholarship. Displays and conversations will include some of Dr. Doris MacKinnon's publications on the role of Métis women in the transitional period after the end of the fur trade. Indigenous scholar Patricia Marshall will also share her perspectives on Métis history and identity. 

November 17

• Virtual Métis Mosaic Presentation with Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt & Billie-Jo Grant | ONLINE | 2:30p
  • Métis Memories of Residential School, A Testament to the Strength of the Métis - shares 24 impactful stories about this neglected chapter in Canadian history. This project honours the unique experiences and Métis survivors and families in colonial schooling systems and showcases authentic Métis community voices in an ethical and collaborative way. It invites viewers to engage in a deeper understanding of the injustices brought to all First Peoples in Canada. Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt and Billie-Jo Grant will be providing an overview of our unique Métis history, their involvement with this project, and it's use as a learning tool.

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• Métis Resource Display with Christi Belcourt Spotlight and Colouring Pages | Red Deer Polytechnic Library | All Day
• Métis Resource Corner | RBC on Campus | All Day
• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

November 18

• Soup and Bannock Lunch | Arts Centre Foyer | 12pm
  • FREE for the first 175 attendees
• Screening of Hiding in Plain Sight with Gilles Allard and Director Mark Collings | Arts Centre Main Stage | 1:30pm

  • The story of the Metis in Red Deer is not well known. It is a story of a people who first settled the Red Deer area. It is also a story of a people who persevered in the face of racial prejudice and were largely driven out of Red Deer. Gilles Allard, Métis Elder, advocate and historian will take us on a journey to uncover the rich history and culture of the Metis in Red Deer. Gilles is one of the few people who speaks Michif, the native Métis dialect.    (28 minutes)

• Métis Resource Display with Christi Belcourt Spotlight and Colouring Pages | Red Deer Polytechnic Library | All Day
• Métis Resource Corner | RBC on Campus | All Day
• In recognition of the week, the exterior lights of Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display Blue, Red and White lights on this day from dusk to dawn to demonstrate respect for the Métis Nations and their contributions to our province and nation

Learn more about Indigenous Students Services and Initiatives at Red Deer Polytechnic.