Left to right: Chloe Dreilich-Girard (MILSA External Affairs Coordinator - Métis), Kaitlyn Clarke (MILSA Social Media Co-Coordinator and poster artist).
Louis Riel Day Celebration draws full house at Robson Hall
Before taking a winter term break, law students packed the Robson Hall Common Room on February 13 to experience Métis culture at an event held in honour of Louis Riel Day. The Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association organized a program of traditional food, dance, beading art and a panel sharing the knowledge of Métis community members with fellow students and faculty.
Norman Meade, Elder-in-Residence at the Indigenous Student Centre opened the event with a blessing and words to focus everyone’s thoughts on the meaning of the forthcoming day that now honours the Father of Manitoba. Unparalleled bannock tacos supplied by Shelly’s Indigenous Bistro disappeared quickly after more than 50 guests lined up.
Logan Nadeau, 1L, moderates a panel of Métis elders including Elder Norman Mead who opened the event, Tyler Blashko, MLA for Lagimodiere, and Jeri Ducharme, Manager of Learning for the EleV Partnership at UM Indigenous Engagement and Communications.
Invited Métis community members included Tyler Blashko, MLA for Lagimodiere, and Jeri Ducharme, Manager of Learning for the EleV Partnership at UM’s Indigenous Engagement and Communications. First-year law student Logan Nadeau moderated questions for the guests regarding their educational and work experiences and contributions as Métis individuals.
Elder Candace Volk led a workshop on traditional beading while first-year law student and champion Métis jigger, Sarah Shuttleworth, taught law students the basic steps of a traditional jig.
Elder Candace Volk teaches beading to law students and staff, making good use of a Robson Hall classroom document camera.
“The Louis Riel Day event was a great way for the Robson Hall community to celebrate the culture and history of the Red River Métis, and we’re thankful to our invited guests for sharing their experiences and knowledge with us,” said organizer Dominique Gibson (3L). “To be able to host this event only a few weeks after The Louis Riel Act bestowed the honorary title of “First Premier of Manitoba” on Louis Riel is particularly meaningful. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the lunch, the panel, and the cultural activities!”
Jigging champion and first-year law student Sarah Shuttleworth teaches fellow students how to jig.
The event came a week after a visit from The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, who encouraged law students to take the opportunity to attend different cultural events whenever possible as part of their education.