Louis Riel Day


Louis Riel Day.  A day when my hair can look like this all day.  I mean it pretty much looks like this all the time, but at least on a Statutory Holiday, I have an excuse.  I have one American friend who laughs uproariously whenever I mention a Statutory Holiday.  Mandatory Rest.  She finds that hilarious.  

Louis Riel was the father of the great province of Canada.  Thinking of him reminds me of all that I have and some things I have missed.  

For one thing, people understand Louis Riel very differently.  To some, he is a hero.  To others, he is a traitor.  For still others, it is complicated.  I love that.  I love when we disagree and can talk intelligently as people about our disagreements.  I think it makes for a healthy democracy and I wish we would have more healthy debates.  I also love that our history is unique and not that of traditional province building.  It makes Manitoba interesting and I love that our founder was Metis, as it should be.  

It is sad that no other ever got to interview Riel once he had the opportunity to reflect and tell us the wisdom behind his decisions or the circumstances that fell into place for him.  It is sad that his life ended so tragically and early so we can't hear his story from his perspective.  Still, it makes Manitoba interesting and unique.  

For some reason, when I was a toddler I named all of my dolls and stuffed animals Louie.  My parents didn't know where I got this name from.  They also worried about me since I was so one-dimensional.  Our first family pet was named Louie.  

It also is a reminder of what I have missed.  I never met my partner's father.  He was a history professor and from what I understand, a very engaging lecturer.  It would be wonderful to hear his thoughts on Riel.  Also, my father's favorite genre of books was historical fictions.  He also loved to debate history.  I am sure he and my partner's dad could have had a great discussion.  I miss my dad.  As it happens, it is also the birthday of my friend's fathers whose loss is very recent.  I know she is spending her day cherishing memories and still grieving the loss.  That is what happens when you lose a father.  You never really get over it.  

Manitoba lost our father a long time ago.  We will never fully get over it, but at least, we are choosing to honour him by having a day in his honour.  And, the day should be more about having a bad hair day.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One of my saddest days in Winnipeg

Image
I felt compelled to attend an information meeting of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.  Compelled because it will be, not in my neighbourhood, but in my City Ward.  Compelled after reading Bruce's story and his family's wish to make this recovery centre his legacy.  Compelled because of the opposition to this centre.  I wanted my voice to be a positive one. Since the land has already been rezoned, the BORC is going to happen and the meeting was to update the community on progress and get input on a few minor details.   I didn't realize that it would be one of the saddest days I have experienced in Winnipeg.   When I arrived, I experienced the "white people". They were people dressed in white who were there to oppose the Centre.  In order to get in to the community centre, I had to pass two "white people" who were at the door with placards in opposition.  It was intimidating.  They didn't deter anyone from entering but th...
Read more

There's Something from Jenny - Part 2

Image
I am trying to evolve as a blogger.  One of my friends told me that I needed to start adding my pictures to my blog so that people would know who they are communicating with.  So, good, bad, or ugly, I am adding my picture as much as I can.  It makes me feel vulnerable.  Not as vulnerable as I would feel if I was running for Mayor of a major Canadian city. I can't imagine how vulnerable I would feel, having every move and every word analyzed and taken out of context.  Perspective always defines your reality.  For example, I could tell you that I witnessed a murder by the Superstore last week.  That might bring up some powerful images in your mind.  Then, there would be those who know that a group of crows is called a murder.  That gives my previous statement have a whole different image in your mind.  So, when I spent an hour with Jenny Motkaluk that was my biggest impression.  She doesn't mind being vulnerable.  She just w...
Read more

Seriously? Opposition to BORC opening at old Vimy Arena Site

Image
I decided to go for a walk today.  It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  My quest was to understand the home owner's opposition to having the closed arena site being converted to a much needed addiction treatment facility.  I took some pictures on my phone and want to explain what I found out.  The first picture was taken while I was standing on the immense green space at the back of the old Vimy Arena.  You can see in the background what is the closest residential development.  It is a town house complex.  In order for someone who was participating in treatment at BORC to interact with someone living in the complex, they would have to walk and then cross a creek, and then get through the trees.  I would think the residents living in that complex would be more worried about the drainage pipe that leads on the creek.  I would be concerned about a wandering child being trapped in there.  The second pic...
Read more