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Hi Sheena,
To begin our
second week of the We Stand Together campaign, here is Daily Fact
#6:
In use
since 1816, the Métis flag is one of the oldest Canadian
flags.
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Share
this fact to
educate others, then join the discussion on Facebook or on Twitter (@FreeTheChildren and @MAboriginalEdu) using #westandtogether. At the end of the
campaign, create your own Daily Fact and share it with Free The Children and
MAEI here.
Remember, there
are also issues backgrounders, lesson plans and other great resources on the We
Stand Together Resources webpage!
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In the
18th century, European fur traders began to marry First Nations women. Their
families gave rise to a new Aboriginal People with a distinct cultural identity,
language and way of life. Over time, they became known as the Métis Nation.
Métis communities formed in the Great Lakes region and along fur trade routes
across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, as well as in Ontario, British Columbia
and the Northwest Territories. Throughout their history, the Métis people have
come together to preserve their culture, traditions and language and to protect
their rights as a nation within Canada.
The
flag representing the Métis Nation has evolved over time, and was first flown in
1816 by Métis fighters during the battle of Seven Oaks, a confrontation between
rival fur trade companies in what is presently Winnipeg, Manitoba. Today, the
most commonly used Métis flags have either a red or a blue background and
feature a white infinity symbol. This symbol is said to represent the joining of
the Indigenous and European cultures, as well the continuous survival of the
Métis culture. The Métis were recognized by the Canadian government as an
Aboriginal People in 1983. After this, the Métis National Council was formed to
represent the interests of the Métis people to the Canadian government and
internationally.
For
more information, check out:
http://www.metisnation.ca/
http://www.metisnation.org/
http://dev-louisrielinstitute.com/index.php/culture/the-metis-flag
http://www.metismuseum.com/main.php |
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