Monday, July 26, 2010

Hail to "The Chief!"

Louis Riel-linked sword found
By JASON HALSTEAD, Winnipeg Sun
Monday, July 26, 2010
A sword believed to have been owned by Metis leader Louis Riel has been found after being stolen Friday.

The historical artifact was stolen from the British Columbia Pavilion at the Back to Batoche Days event in Batoche, Sask., prompting an RCMP investigation. But just a day later, the sword was found undamaged by event security on the grounds of the festival.

Riel, a francophone Metis from the Red River Settlement, led a provisional government that in 1869 and 1870 demanded Canada not annex their territory into the new country unless their lands and rights were recognized. Although the efforts of Riel and his allies helped Manitoba become a full-fledged province in 1870, Riel was convicted by the Canadian government for high treason and executed that year in Saskatchewan.

The Back to Batoche Days festival is an annual celebration of the Saskatchewan Metis community’s culture, traditions and heritage.

Meanwhile, on Monday evening the Manitoba Metis Federation was scheduled to hold the inauguration ceremony for its recently-elected government, including president David Chartrand, who will begin serving his fifth term. The ceremony was to be held at the Clarion Hotel on Portage Avenue with Lieutenant-Governor Philip S. Lee in attendance. (emphasis ours)

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