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This is a representation of the Métis Nation Flag.
The flag was
first used by Métis resistance fighters prior to the Battle of Seven
Oaks in 1816. It is the oldest Canadian patriotic flag indigenous to
Canada. The Union Jack and the Royal Standard of New France bearing the
fleur-de-lis are older, but these flags were first flown in Europe. As
a symbol of nationhood, the Métis flag predates Canada's Maple Leaf
flag by about 150 years! The flag bears a horizontal figure eight, or
infinity symbol. The infinity symbol represents the coming together of
two distinct and vibrant cultures, those of European and indigenous
North America, to produce a distinctly new culture, the Métis. The flag
symbolizes the creation of a new society with roots in both Aboriginal
and European cultures and traditions. The sky blue background of the
flag emphasizes the infinity symbol and suggests that the Métis people
will exist forever.
The Métis flag has two variants: the more
popular blue flag, and the red flag. Nobody knows why the early Métis
chose these two colour patterns for their flags. However, conjecture
seems to indicate that the Métis created the blue and white infinity
flag because these were the colours of the North West Company, the fur
trading firm which employed most of the French speaking Métis. The blue
Métis infinity flag bears a striking resemblance to the blue and white
flag of St. Andrew, the national flag of Scotland. The blue and white
colours of the Métis flag are also the traditional colours of French
Canada, as seen on the provincial of Quebec. That the creators of the
infinity flag may have had some Scottish and French Canadian input when
creating their flag is not surprising, because these two groups
dominated the North West Company and had the most Métis descendants.
However, the flag was uniquely Métis and was recognized as such.
The red Métis flag may have been created by Métis employees of the
Hudson's Bay Company. The traditional colours of the fur trade giant
were red and white. Neither the blue and white, nor the red and white
flag was used by the Métis during the two great resistance movements of
1869-70 and 1885. During this period the Métis used flags which
contained French Canadian and Catholic religious symbols. The Métis
infinity flag was temporarily forgotten, and remembered only in oral
tradition. With the rebirth of Métis pride and consciousness the flag
was brought back. Today the flag remains a potent symbol of Métis
heritage.
This item is Brand New and the approximate size is 2.75" x 1.75" Rectangle.
We are proud to say that this item is designed and made on the Six Nations Reserve in Brantford Ontario Canada.
And that Native American Clothing Company is 100% Native owned and operated.
Thank you for being a part of our history.
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