A Métis flag will proudly fly at Portage's City Hall for Louis Riel Day.
Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox and Manitoba Métis Federation Minister of Housing and Property Management Will Goodon made speeches before raising a Métis flag at City Hall Thursday afternoon.
Portage Mayor Sharilyn Knox and the City raising a Métis flag at City Hall on Thursday afternoon in honour of the Louis Riel long weekend. pic.twitter.com/EiZPanGQPq
— PortageOnline (@PortageOnline_) February 17, 2023
Goodon says this symbolic act means a lot to the Métis people.
"We don't have to hide like we did back in the 20th century when we were ashamed of who we were. Today, we can raise a flag, and people can drive around in their cars with stickers that say they're Métis people who are proud of who they are."
He adds that while other provinces call it Family Day, he is thilled that Manitoba chose to call it Louis Riel Day back in 2008.
"It's a great time to get together with family," Goodon continues, "and remember the ideas that were part of the founding of Manitoba that we all need to work together to build something great."