Manitobans gathered at The Forks for the 2026 Louis Riel Day Celebration

February 19, 2026

The MMF collaborated with The Forks to host annual celebration

_{Minister Anderson and Minister Carrier gathered in the Heart of the Homeland to celebrate Louis Riel Day with Red River Métis Citizens and Manitobans alike.}

At the heart of the Homeland, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) and The Forks came together on February 16, 2026 to host a memorable Louis Riel Day event - honouring Riel's legacy and celebrating Red River Métis culture, history, and community.

Generations gathered at the historical meeting place to celebrate the Red River Métis leader. MMF Cabinet in attendance included: Alfred Anderson, Minister of Culture and Heritage; Andrew Carrier, Minister of Residential and Day Schools, Minister of Red River Metis Community Resource Department, Minister of French and Michif Language Protection; and Peter Fleming, Minister of Natural Resources.

The day was filled to the beaded brim with fun cultural activities, laughter, music, and dancing. There were opportunities for everyone to connect with Red River Métis culture.

"The Louis Riel Day at The Forks event celebrates Red River Metis culture, heritage, and history. We had a Red River Métis Market with our artisans, live entertainment from our musicians, and cultural workshops for all ages from the MMF Early Learning and Child Care Department and the Louis Riel Institute. I am thankful that the Culture and Heritage Department collaborated with The Forks Renewal Corp., who helped turn this day into a reality with their generosity and support," said Minister Anderson.

The Louis Riel Day at The Forks event celebrates Red River Métis culture, heritage, and history. We had a Red River Metis Market with our artisans, live entertainment from our musicians, and cultural workshops for all ages from the MMF Early Learning and Child Care Department and the Louis Riel Institute. I am thankful that the Culture and Heritage Department partnered with The Forks Renewal Corp., who helped turn this day into a reality with their generosity and support. - Minister Alfred Anderson

Festivities spread across the grounds. From the Johnston Terminal to The Forks Market, and the outdoor spaces in between, there was never a dull moment. Activities such as cultural presentations, booths, and posters drew in locals inspiring them to learn about the history and legacy of Louis Riel and Red River Métis culture.

A crowd gathered in front of the Johnston Terminal steps to watch spirited jigging lessons hosted by the Louis Riel Institute. There were indoor and outdoor kids' activities courtesy of the Early Learning and Child Care Department. The youngest guests were especially enthusiastic to jump into the many fun activities planned for them, such as cultural colouring pages and an educational ring toss competition.

Twenty Red River Métis artisans filled a bustling marketplace, offering a wide range of goods from beadwork to woodworking to skin care. Patrons from all walks of life came to check out the impeccable talent our Red River Métis artisans have to offer. It wouldn't be a Red River Métis gathering without music - Red River Métis musicians filled The Forks Market with live cultural music coming from the second floor balcony.

Fittingly held at the historical trading hub, there were presentations on the importance of the fur trade in Red River Métis history. With an economic history so vast, it earned the Red River Métis the title of economic engine of the West.

Every year, the third Monday in February is set aside to honour the life and legacy of the first Premier of Manitoba, Louis Riel. Along with other leaders in the Provisional Government, Riel presented Canada with a Bill of Rights, leading to the creation of the Manitoba Act, 1870. The act protected the language, education, and Indigenous rights of the people, working to ensure the Nation could thrive for generations to come.

_{A young volunteer joined the Louis Riel Institute jigging lesson in front of a lively crowd.}

"Louis Riel Day is an important day to commemorate and remember Louis Riel, the Founder of Manitoba and a Father of Confederation," said Minister Anderson. "Louis Riel dreamed of a strong and self-determined Red River Metis Government. He believed our people should stand proud in who we are, with our own language, culture, and identity."

This Louis Riel Day, Minister Anderson reflected on his proud attendance at the Louis Riel Act's Royal Assent announcement back in 2023 at the Manitoba Legislative Building alongside MMF's Cabinet and MMF President David Chartrand.

"Through the Louis Riel Act, the first Premier of Manitoba was finally honoured and recognized for his major contributions without the removal of the injustice that occurred to him," said the Minister.

Louis Riel Day, and the celebrations that come along with it, are a heartfelt reminder of how powerful coming together to celebrate a shared history and culture that honours the resilience and pride of the Red River Métis can be. Don't miss another event! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and keep an eye on the regularly updated MMF events page.

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