Métis National Anthem
Métis Flag
The Métis flag has a blue or red background and a white infinity symbol. The Métis flag demonstrates the union of both First Nations and European cultures. They intersect in the middle to create a new and unique distinct Nations. The infinity symbol show that the Métis culture will live on forever.
Photo Credit: Métis Nation of Alberta
The Métis flag on a red river cart
There are many different stories of how the red and blue Métis flags came to be. Some say that the colour of the flag backgrounds came from the relationships formed between the Métis people and the trading companies. Blue flags were a symbol of the relationship with the North West Trading Company and the red flags were tied to the Hudson’s Bay Trading Company (HBC).
The Métis flag is the oldest flag first flown in Canada, being used by the Métis in 1816 at the Battle of Seven Oaks. Flying a flag of their own was an important part of Métis history as it declared their identity of being a distinct nation.
The Métis flag is approximately 150 years older than the current Canadian flag!