'A truly significant moment': First Nations, Metis flags take permanent residency outside Winnipeg city hall
Three flags have taken their permanent positions outside city hall as a symbol of Winnipeg’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous reconciliation.
A flag raising ceremony Wednesday morning sent three flags to the sky, representing Treaty One First Nations, Dakota Nations and the Metis Nation.
“We hope that the flags flying before city hall will be a visible statement of solidarity and respect,” said City of Winnipeg CAO Michael Jack.
In his opening remarks Mayor Brian described significance of the three flags. The white buffalo calf on the flag of the Dakota Nation of Manitoba symbolize sacred new beginnings.
Treaty One’s First Nation’s flag of a brilliant sun above a ground of blue and green reminds people the treaty will remain as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the water flows.
The Metis Nation’s infinity flag signifies different cultures living in harmony forever.
Indigenous flag raising at Winnipeg City Hall Sept. 15 (Dan Timmerman, CTV News)
“They truly offer us images of beauty and images of power, images that can nourish resiliance of hope throughout our community,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Images that belong right here, in the seat of civic decision making because the people they represent belong right here.”
Metis, Treaty One and Dakota leaders were on-hand for the ceremonial flag raising, including Chief Dennis Meeches from Long Plain First Nation. He stressed the importance of everyone coming together, but said more work needs to be done.
“It’s been a long fight and a long journey for the treaty One Nations, Dakota Nations and Metis people but we celebrate the life our creator has given us, the blessings , even though we have struggled most of any people in this country,” said Meeches.
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs reflected on his youth growing up in a remote and isolated community, and compared how far Indigenous reconciliation efforts have come.
“Here we are, light years ahead. I can tell you that I never would have imagined that we would be standing here together in solidarity, in light of the difficult history we’ve had,” said Dumas.
“It is a truly significant moment and to paraphrase our Dakota chiefs, this is what reconciliation really is, when we work together to bring forward in a meaningful way.”
Bowman said other reconciliation efforts are ongoing including the renaming of Bishop Grandin Boulevard. He also noted the economic reconciliation possibilities with the development of the property formally known as Kapyong and the city’s Indigenous Accord.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.