Mayor John Tory apologizes to Mtis people for Toronto's role in 1885 Northwest Resistance

Mayor John Tory issued an apology to the Mtis people for Toronto's role in the 1885 Northwest Resistance, Friday afternoon.

Tory joined Mtis leaders at the Annual General Assembly of the Mtis Nation of Ontario, held at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Senator Suzanne Brunelle, of the Toronto and York Region Mtis Council, was on hand to acknowledge the apology.

"The recognition of the City of Toronto's role in perpetuating racism and colonial violence towards the Mtis which continues to this day is deeply significant," she said.

"The apology is a big step forward in our relationship with the city."

The Northwest Resistance was aMtisuprising led by Louis Riel that took place at Batoche in what is now Saskatchewan. The Mtis, a people descended from bothEuropeans and Indigenous nations, were fighting for recognition of their ancestral lands.

Soldiers based in Toronto were deployed on behalf of the Canadian government to suppress the rebellion. The city contributed financially to the campaign, organizingand fundinga grand parade to celebrate Canada's victory, and later erectinga monument to those who fought against the Mtis.

"All of these actions by the city contributed to the overall milieu of hostility towards the Mtis, with the impacts still being felt today," Tory said.

Margaret Froh, president of the Mtis Nation of Ontario, thanked the mayor

She attributed the historic milestone to a lot of hard work forthose involved, as well as changing attitudes in recent years.

"I think things change when we see each other, when we listen to each other," Froh said. "That is what has occurred over the course of the last decade."

She commended the Toronto and York Region Mtis Council for building a relationship with the city that allows them to raise awareness about the local Mtis community, their history, and thier culture.

Cassidy Caron, president of the Mtis National Council, was also on hand to accept the mayor's apology.

But she also advocated for action beyond words.

"It's also really important to always recognize that apologies are made real through action and atonement," she said.

Caron, also spoke of her own familyconnection to the battle of Batoche, recognizing what the Mtis of 1885 were fighting for.

"The Mtis of Batoche petitioned for recognition, for fair treatment, and respect for their land rights," she said.

Moments like this are important because it keeps conversations about Mtis history alive, Caron said.

As part of his apology, Tory committed the city to continue working with the Toronto and York Regional Mtis council to develop educational programs and commemorative initiatives.

He also noted the city's first Reconciliation Action Plan is set to guide its actions to advance truth, justice and reconciliation for the next 10 years.

The apology can be read in its entirety on the city's website.