The Metis Flag

Flags have traditionally been important symbols uniting a nation’s people. During the course of their cultural development the Metis people have created and recognized several flags, two of which are most prominent.

REQUIRE PHOTOS OF THE RED AND THE BLUE METIS FLAGS

Both of the two most common Metis flags feature the infinity sign. Like all great symbols, the infinity sign is open to varying interpretations. Some say it is represents the Metis as the distinctive unification of two peoples, the European and Indian. Others claim that infinity represents that the Metis nation is robust and adaptable and will survive forever.

The variation on the Metis flags featuring the infinity sign is the background colour, either red or blue. Some historical interpretations claim that the red background represents the colours of the Hudson’s Bay Company; while the blue background represents the Northwest Company. However, the red and blue suggest other symbolic connections as well. For example, the blue and while combination are similar to both Scotland’s national flag, and are also the traditional colours of Quebec. Whatever the interpretation, Metis organizations commonly fly either the red or the blue infinity versions of the flag to symbolize their community.