Métis Living

Métis Flag

The Métis flag was first used by Métis resistance fighters in Canada before the 1816 Battle of Seven Oaks, having been received as a gift from Alexander MacDonell of Greenfield of the North West Company in 1814, and has been to represent the political and military force of the Metis as early as 1816.

The flag shows a white infinity symbol on a field of either blue or red. The infinity symbol has two meanings: it represents the faith that the Métis culture shall live on forever, and the mixing of the European immigrants(primarily French) and the First Nations peoples. As such, it can also be perceived as two conjoined circles, standing for the unity of two cultures.

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, northern Ontario and eastern New Brunswick.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