Métis flag

The Métis Flag was first used by Métis resistance fighters in Canada prior to the 1816 Battle of Seven Oaks, having been received as a gift from Alexander Macdonnell of the North West Company in 1814.[1] The flag is either blue or red with a white infinity symbol superimposed on top. The blue flag is used to associate the Métis employees of the North West Company,[2] while the red represents the Métis who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company[2] (see Anglo-Métis). The symbol represents the mixing of the European immigrants and the First Nations peoples, which creates a new and distinct culture.

The blue background flag has been accepted by the Métis National Council as the official flag of the Métis Nation. The red flag now stands as the provincial ensign for the Métis Nation of Alberta.

The white infinity symbol on the flag represents the faith that the Métis culture shall live on forever.[2] It can also be perceived as two conjoined circles, standing for the unity of two cultures, Aboriginal First Nations and European (primarily French).[2] The flag can still be seen in areas in Manitoba, and other traditional Métis territories such as Batoche and other settlements in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and northern Ontario.

References

  1. ↑ "Symbols and Traditions". Métis Nation of Ontario. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "The Métis flag". Gabriel Dumont Institute(Métis Culture & Heritage Resource Centre). Archived from the original on 2013-07-24.