The Trial of Louis Riel returns to the stage at the RCMP Heritage Centre
After a year of cancelled live performances, the RCMP has brought ‘The Trial of Louis Riel’ back to the stage.
The RCMP Heritage Centre hosted an opening night gala on Thursday in celebration of the play.
“This is the 55th anniversary of the production,” said Tara Robinson, CEO of the Regina RCMP Heritage Centre. “ [It’s] the longest running historical drama in North America.”
The play takes audiences through the trial of Métis political leader Louis Riel. Born in 1844, Riel is most famously known for leading the Red River and North-West resistances against the Canadian government. Riel was tried for treason in Regina and executed in 1885.
“The story of Louis Riel is part of our history, and the repercussions of that history reverberate today,” said Lieutenant-Governor Russ Mirasty.
“Many Métis people have struggled to discover and reclaim their identity and to understand their own history.”
The play showcases Riel during his trial in 1885, but also acts as a tool for coming together today.
“Understanding who we are, understanding our history but also our shared history,” said Mirasty. “That understanding leads to strong relationships. And relationships lead to possibilities for all of us”
Mirasty said moving forward, working together is the key to reconciliation.
“One must remember that it’s not about blame,” said Mirasty. “You and we did not create the government policies that led to the Indian act and residential schools. But it is part of our collective history and we can’t deny that.”
Glen McCallum, president of Métis Nation—Saskatchewan, said he is happy to have a play showcase an important time and leader in Canada’s history.
“We have to start embracing our history, but most important, embrace the leaders that are trying to make a difference,” said McCallum.
Audiences can also expect a unique twist as part of the performance. Audience members will be able to participate in the performance, with some being selected to be up on stage with the actors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Being harassed at work? What to consider when deciding what to do next
If you've been the victim of workplace harassment, it can be difficult to feel you're not alone - and even more difficult to know where to go with a complaint.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Half of Canadians support TikTok ban, with U.S. concerns 'trickling' north: poll
A new poll indicates 51 per cent of Canadians support banning the social media app TikTok, after a U.S. bill aiming to do just that passed in the House of Representatives.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.