Metis Flag - Red (HBC)

The Métis flag was first used by resistance fighters prior to the Battle of Seven Oaks in 1816. It symbolises the Métis Nation, which was born when French Canadian fur traders know as coureurs des bois, settled in the Canadian prairies inter-marrying with several of the local First Nations communities. Recognised as a distinct from traditional both traditional First Nations and European settlers, the Métis are credited with the creation of the Province of Manitoba after their leader Louis Reiel negotiated the Manitoba Act with the federal government.

Known as the oldest Canadian indigenous flag, it predates the Canadian Maple Leaf by 150 years. Both St Georges Cross (later the Union flag) and the Fleur-de-lis had flown in Canada Earlier, but were indigenous to Europe where they had flown for several years.

The flag consists of a solid background with a white infinity symbol representing the merging of two distinct and vibrant cultures, European (the French) and Indigenous North American to form a distinct new culture, the . The field, often referred to as the sky emphasizes the infinity symbol and suggests that the Métis people will exist forever.

Two versions of the flag exist, the first with a blue field is believed to have originated with members of the Métis who were associated with the North West Company whose corporate colours were Royal Blue. Métis who were employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company however could not fly the colours of their rivals, so a second version with HBC red was designed.