Métis flags were flying high Monday at Saskatchewan SIAST campuses in honour of Louis Riel Day.
Flag raisings were held in the morning at all four SIAST campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw.
Brian Gallagher, an Aboriginal student advisor with SIAST and one of the event organizers, says Louis Riel had a fundamental impact on Canadian history but one that is little known about.
“The events that happened in 1885, and the events that were happening around Canada and North America in general at that time period, were some of the biggest parts of Canadian history that aren’t taught in its entirety,” he says.
Gallagher adds student knowledge of Louis Riel, and Métis history in general, is improving but there is a lot of room for growth.
He adds the flag raisings followed last Friday’s educational activities held on SIAST campuses.
There are roughly 3,000 students who declare themselves as of Indigenous ancestry attending the province’s four SIAST campuses.
Louis Riel Memorial Day was officially held this past Saturday Nov. 16.