The BC Métis Federation and Sliammon-based Raven Events and Communications teamed up to bring the Trial of Louis Riel, one of Canada’s longest running plays, from Regina to New Westminster.
The Aboriginal event management business contributed $10,000 in cash, volunteered all staff time and, in collaboration, with BC Métis Federation leadership made the dream of bringing this play to BC on Louis Riel Day a reality.
Dawn Holmen is Raven Event’s Manager of Event Logistics. Her families, the Dumonts, are originally from Lake Batoche. “We were very excited to support the BC Metis Federation with this historic event. I was exciting for me personally to work on a project that I felt so connected to,” said Holmen.
The play by RielCo Productions took place on November 15 and 16 at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster. Despite the fact that there is a significant Métis population in British Columbia, not once had this play been to British Columbia. More importantly not once had the Trial of Louis Riel been performed on the date of the hero’s execution.
The show, which is now in its 47th year of production, centers on the trial that led to the wrongful hanging of the founder of Manitoba and the political and spiritual leader of the Métis people.“ The first BC performance of this play was a significant event for the local Métis community. I was proud to assist in the production, which brought Métis history to life,” said Dawn.
Among those in attendance were Keith Henry, President of the BC Métis Federation Daryl Piper, Vice President, Dan Guinan, President of the NEC Native Education College, and Ron Paradis, President of the Vancouver Métis Citizens Society.
“The three shows were flawless and several hundred people in attendance from children and elders were provided a once in a lifetime experience that was educational and provided Métis cultural recognition and celebration. I was truly pleased to see many First Nations attending as well to better understand some of our history and culture,” said Keith Henry, President of the BC Metis Federation.
For more information about Raven Events, please visit www.ravenevents.ca.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry, President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220 Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
[ilink url=”http://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/RavenEventsPressRelease.pdf” style=”download”]Raven Events Press Release[/ilink]
