KENORA — The Métis flag will fly permanently over Kenora city hall.
The raising of the flag follows a series of initiatives over the last month to advance Truth and Reconciliation in the community.
Coun. Sharon Smith, who is of Métis heritage, said it's a civic honour to raise the flag.
"The raising of the Métis flag signifies our commitment to reconciliation, solidarity and respect," she said. "It recognizes the culture and heritage of the Métis community. Just as the Métis flag symbolizes the creation of the Métis Nation, the flying of this flag at city hall celebrates our relationship with the Métis Nation. This flag symbolizes and recognizes the Métis people for all they have and will continue to contribute to this City.”
Over the last month, the City of Kenora has made strides in their commitment to reconciliation with its Indigenous partners. From their educational workshops on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action to the addition of an Indigenous Relations Specialist whose duty is to work with the Indigenous community, urban and rural, to strengthen the city’s cultural awareness on municipal services, projects, and programs, Kenora's support of Truth and Reconciliations shows a heightened awareness of recognizing the significance of a strong Indigenous partnership.
The flag raising event included Métis leaders and dignitaries, such as Kenora Métis Council Senator Karen Cederwall, Kenora Métis Council President Liz Boucha, Regional Councillor of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario Theresa Stenlund, and youth member Hayden Stenlund, whose speech at the flag raising was a highlight of the ceremony.
"I have to say I'll always contemplate our flag at City Hall and admire its tangible symbol of our people's identity, tenacity, strength, courage and wisdom,” said Hayden Stenlund. “I am touched, thrilled, and excited about having our Métis flag raised at city hall for the whole city to see and for our youth to glance at a realization that the city has acknowledged them. It has a profound effect knowing that our Métis youth have a bright future, have a voice and are heard."
The Métis flag represents identity through its use of the symbol of infinity. It symbolizes resistance, continuity, and recently, nationhood.
"The Métis flag is a symbol of our Métis identity and flying the flag demonstrates Métis pride. The Kenora municipal flag raising demonstrates respect to our Métis citizens as it acknowledges we were here and are here. Marsee to the City of Kenora staff and leadership for working with the Métis over the last while to have our Métis flag permanently fly at Kenora City Hall for not only the Métis but for all residents. This is a step towards reconciliation" said Theresa Stenlund.
In addition to the Métis flag, the City of Kenora will be installing a fourth flag pole at city hall in the coming months. The new flag pole will display the Treaty 3 flag, the Métis flag and the flag of the city, the province and the country.
