It was a packed house at the Portage Mutual Arena in Portage la Prairie, as the community celebrated Louis Riel Ray. Committee Chair Landeyn Aymont acknowledges it takes a lot of work to put this event together, but the reward is seeing so many people enjoying the day. He admits growing up, he never would have envisioned this.

"This started out as a little event that we had in the multi-purpose room," he says, "In our first year, we had some Metis entertainment -- it was very low scale. and it's just grown throughout the years. And a lot of that has to do with our partnership with the Metis Prairie Steppers, and Leanne MacLennan. She originally organized this, if it wasn't for her help, it wouldn't have got to where it is today."

Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen was part of the opening ceremony, and says being involved with something like this is important to her.

Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen"Manitoba is such a strong, and influential province," she says, "And so much of it is because our heritage, and I think the Metis people have brought so much to our country, in terms of their culture, in terms of things that they have done legally, so it's just good to be able to celebrate that."

Portage MLA Ian Wishart echoes that.

Portage MLA Ian Wishart

"Louis Riel was, effectively, Manitoba's first premier," he says, "He was there, it was his actions that precipitated the creation of this province. I think we should all look back, and recognize the historical fact. and the Metis community's still a very strong part of the Portage la Prairie community."

Portage Mayor Irvine Ferris was part of the opening ceremony, and says it's about celebrating a large part of this city's history.

"The Metis people have made major contributions to our community for many, many years," he

Portage Mayor Irvine Ferrissays, "And certainly in the area of politics, arts and and culture, business and commerce, and music. The community is built by groups, and this is one of the major groups that helped build Portage la Prairie."

For Portage Friendship Centre Executive Director Shirley Bernard, Riel Day is important.

Shirley Bernard

"All these families come out, and it's education," she says, "Some people don't know anything about Louis Riel, so they come out, and our elders talk about it. It's great."

Here are more photos.