The Métis flag is now flying at a few different locations across Grande Prairie in honour of Métis Week. Along with the one put up at City Hall on November 12th, a second was raised at Grande Prairie Regional College on Wednesday.
GPRC Indigenous Coordinator Desiree Mearon says this flag-raising is a way to honour and recognize Métis people in the area.
“As we work towards Indigenization and reconciliation, it’s just a way to recognize the Métis people and their culture and to celebrate.”
2019 marks the third year the Métis flag has been raised out front of the college. Métis Local 1990 President Angie Crerar spoke at the ceremony and says she sees this flag-raising as a step forward.
“We honour the past, we learn from it and we move forward into the future where we’re visible, people know who we are and we honour our rich, unique culture, the Métis.”
The flag-raising is also used as a way to remember Louis Riel who in 1868, led the Métis to rebel against the Canadian government in an attempt to fight for the rights of his people. Métis Week runs from November 10th to 16th.