On the third Monday of February, the province honours and celebrates the legacy of Louis Riel — founder of Manitoba. 

As the Métis leader of the Red River Resistance, Riel was a driving force behind Manitoba becoming Canada’s fifth province in the spring of 1870. 

First celebrated in 2008, Louis Riel Day gives Manitobans the opportunity to spend time together as well as acknowledge and learn about Métis culture and traditions. 

Composed by Gérard Jean, “Histoire d’antan” is considered to be a Franco-Manitoban anthem. Often translated as “A song of yore,” it was first performed in Quebec in 1970 before finding success in Manitoba later in the decade.

Hear “Histoire d’antan” performed by members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in honour of Louis Riel Day.