A $20,000 community gaming grant helped make Louis Riel Day celebrations in several BC communities a success this year, Maple Ridge Mission MLA Marc Dalton, on behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes, announced today.

Cultural celebrations and activities, commemorating the 1885 execution of Louis Riel for defending Métis rights, were held on Nov. 16, 2013, in several communities including Terrace, Trail, Prince George, Dawson Creek, Powell River, Abbotsford, Nelson and Penticton. Mayors and councillors in Dawson Creek, Nelson and Penticton raised the Métis infinity flag outside their city halls as part of the recognition of Louis Riel Day.

The celebrations provided an opportunity for Métis Nation British Columbia's (MNBC) Métis Chartered Communities to celebrate with their Métis residents and learn more about Métis culture and heritage.

Quotes:

MLA Maple Ridge Mission, Marc Dalton -

"As a Métis, I am happy for all occasions that celebrate Métis culture and people. Louis Riel is a key figure in Métis and Canadian history. It is great that this new funding will capture Métis celebrations in a multi-media project that honours the Métis people within British Columbia."

Métis Nation British Columbia President, Bruce Dumont -

"Through this generous contribution, MNBC was able to provide funds for our Chartered Communities to hold cultural events and other activities in their communities in commemoration of Louis Riel. Hundreds of Métis Citizens, Métis Leaders and Members of MNBC Chartered Communities gathered in their regions throughout British Columbia for Métis flag raising and other ceremonies these past few weeks in honour of Louis Riel Day on November 16th."

Quick Facts:

• More than 8,000 Métis citizens are registered with Métis Nation British Columbia and are part of a provincial population of almost 70,000 self-identified Métis People.
• There are more than 400,000 Métis People in Canada.
• The Province distributes $135 million in community gaming grants to over 5,000 local organizations representing virtually every community in the province. For a full list of approved gaming grants, visit: http://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/reports/docs/fin-rpt-grants-year-to-date-payments-2013-2014.pdf

Learn More:

Check out the provincial government's role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Contact:

Communications
Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 387-4089