ANZAC (660 NEWS) – Two Métis flags are now flying permanently in Anzac – a first in Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo history.
Last month, RMWB council unanimously passed an updated flag policy which now includes Indigenous flags.
The Willow Lake Métis Nation Flag Raising Ceremony took place on Wednesday at the gazebo park in Anzac and a second flag is located at the Anzac fire hall.
According to a press release, the flags serve “as a visual reminder to recognize and honour that the land upon which we live is the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene and Métis people.”
The flag raising ceremony included local representatives, Willow Lake Métis Nation leaders, and community members.
Willow Lake Métis Nation’s VP and CEO Justin Bourque said it was an important and meaningful day.
“Today’s flag raising ceremony and our Nation’s flag to be flown alongside Canada, Alberta and the RMWB symbolizes a step in the right direction on the road to reconciliation and signifies an acknowledged union we all share with the lands in which we occupy,” he said.
“We hope actions like this show how the RMWB is committed to implementing recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and we look forward to continuing this work with all Indigenous communities as partners towards true reconciliation,” said Deputy Mayor Phil Meagher.
“This visual acknowledgement will be a reminder that this land is the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples and it is our intent that the raising of this flag show respect to the governance and members of Willow Lake Métis Nation.”
