The Wrap: Premier Riel, new warming huts unveiled, Buffy Sainte-Marie speaks, and the Jets’ Demelo

The newly elected NDP government introduced its first piece of legislation on Thursday: a bill to recognize Louis Riel as the first premier of Manitoba.

If passed, the Louis Riel Act will give the celebrated Métis leader the honorary title of First Premier of Manitoba.

The bill would also require public and independent schools to include the significant contributions Riel made to Manitoba and Canada, and an acknowledgement of his honorary title, in the curriculum.

An eagle, a beaver and a catfish — animals that have called The Forks home for ages — will be part of the Nestaweya River Trail this winter.

Their artistic representations will be captured for the annual Warming Huts arts and architecture competition, which announced three winning designs Thursday, along with three other special-guest creations.

Buffy Sainte-Marie is pushing back on a news report that questions her Indigenous heritage, maintaining she has never lied about her identity.

The iconic singer, songwriter and activist says a recent CBC report was full of mistakes and omissions.

In her first public statement since it was published, Sainte-Marie calls the story an attack on her character, life and legacy.

When it comes to the Winnipeg Jets, Dylan DeMelo doesn’t play the role of the frontman basking in the spotlight — but that doesn’t mean his contributions aren’t valued by those around him.