It's Family and It's a Holiday

Many might interpret this to be the only day they should spend with their families. Don't think I like this idea of a family day. Some of us might come to think that this is the only day we should set aside for family. Every day is family day. We must give priority to our families every single day of the year. The next thing you'll see, is the commercialization of family day. Soon the persuaders would suggest we spend a lot of money buying gifts and special food for family day and everything goes downhill from there.
I would much rather see we focus on Louis Riel Day and celebrate what he stood for. He stood and fought for freedom. We may want to think of ways we can fight for freedom especially for those who cannot do so for themselves. I do not mean physical fight but, believing in nonviolence advocacy and protests, we can find a lot of opportunities to do so today. For those of you are are newcomers to Canada, take the opportunity to get to know your Aboriginal population who are the original owners of the land upon which we now live. Find out about the history of the Forks and the importance it was in early days for the Aboriginal people.
   Just take a walk down your street and see what you can find.  Support Festival Du Voyageur if you have never done so before. It celebrates Riel, take a walk down to the Forks and support an Aboriginal business, help that community to rise to the level of other Canadians in terms of financial development.
Here's an article about Louis Riel, I found it interesting and informative.
http://www.metisresourcecentre.mb.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48:louis-qdavidq-riel&catid=2:biographies&Itemid=2

Louis Riel Holiday February 17th


Today is Louis Riel Day, the new holiday in Manitoba. I think it is fitting recognition. Manitoba is an important and Louis Riel is a hero to many Aboriginal people. He fought for their rights and respect and was killed for it. He killed many too but as freedom fighters and during a war everyone is fair game. According to Manitoba history it was Riel who instigated the civil war and for which he was deemed a traitor and the reason given for hanging him in 1885. But he was the proud Metis leader of the Aboriginal people. At that time it was kill or be killed. We know that the power structure can be brutal when they feel their power is threatened and all their stolen wealth are at risk of being taken away, people get really weird and like they get out of their humanity and become a beast. Louis Riel killed legitimately. Some say that he is a murderer and were against naming a holiday after him but they do not get the picture. They do not understand the pain of discrimination and racism and being the underdog of society. I feel the Manitoba Government is right in its choice. It’s about time we recognized our Aboriginal contribution to the Province. Some Aboriginal people say they are in awe that the day was named after Riel. They could not believe it but time wears away even the stones we walk upon. Time is really a healer.
It is great to have a holiday