Mtis leader honoured on Louis Riel Day across Saskatchewan

Celebrations are planned across the province for Louis Riel Day today.

Flags were raised around Saskatchewan in commemoration of the Mtis leader.

On this date in 1885, Riel was executed in Regina by the Canadian government for treason.

Riel led an armed resistance movement against the federal government, and was a strong advocate for Mtis and Francophone rights in western Canada.

Other than a number of flag raisings, the Regina Riel Mtis Council will hold its annual Louis Riel Day March and Vigil.

A group will gather at Optimist Park at 4:45 p.m. CST for a march down Dewdney Avenue. As well, an official ceremony will begin in the chapel of the RCMP Heritage Centre at 5 p.m. CST