Toronto Mayor John Tory has apologized for the city’s role in arming and celebrating a Canadian militia – a historic title for military units formed in the defense of Canada – which put down a Métis rebellion in 1885.
Tory spoke about Toronto’s contribution to the North West Resistance on Friday during his address to the Métis Nation of Ontario’s annual general meeting.
The North West Resistance was an armed conflict between supporters of Métis leader and politician Louis Riel and federal troops in what is now Saskatchewan. The insurrection took place from March to May 1885 and ended with the subjugation and hanging of Louis Riel.
In his apology, Mayor Tory said the Métis were fighting for rights to their land after large numbers of settlers and a plummeting bison population threatened their survival.
The mayor said Toronto helped military action against the Métis by providing equipment to volunteer troops sent to quell the rebellion, then held a parade and erected a statue to honor the soldiers. He said this statue is still standing today.
Mr. Tory said all of these actions by the city have contributed to creating a hostile environment for Métis people here, forcing them to hide their identities for fear of reprisals – which he says has affected their community and culture until nowadays.
Métis Nation of Ontario President Margaret Froh thanked Tory for his apology and said many people do not understand the lingering effects of colonialism on the province’s Métis.
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