Louis Riel Day is a big deal in Vancouver, and so it should be all over our province and country. The City of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson proclaims Nov. 16, 2015 Louis Riel Day.
Our mayor, Andrew Jakubeit, denied the South Okanagan Similkameen Métis Association’s request to fly our flag for 2015 Louis Riel Day. This despite the fact that our association started this tradition in Penticton a few years ago as well as the proclamation signing. It has become widespread across the province now.
The last two years our Métis flag flew at Penticton City Hall for the weekend of Louis Riel Day, and this year our illustrious mayor has said no, it will not happen. The reply from city hall said the policy had changed and the only flag the City of Penticton will fly will be the Canadian flag. Well, once again the mayor and council lost a great way to promote Penticton and the South Okanagan. Shame on you, Andrew and on the rest of council.
D. Brown
Secretary, South Okanagan Similkameen Metis Association