Willow Lake Métis Nation Flag Raised in Anzac, A Vital Step Towards Reconciliation

The ceremony marks the first flag-raising since the passing of the Municipality's new Flag Policy recognizing and incorporating Indigenous community flags, including the Willow Lake Métis Nation flag.

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD BUFFALO, AB, Aug. 19, 2021 /CNW/ - The historic flag raising ceremony saw the Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN) flag raised and displayed at gazebo park in Anzac for the first time. As documented members of the community since 1856, the contribution of the WLMN will be formally recognized as their flag permanently flies alongside the Canadian, Alberta, and Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo flags in Anzac. The Act demonstrates a willingness to work collaboratively towards further reconciliation and future prosperity for the Anzac community, and the WLMN.

"This is an important and meaningful day of recognition for the Métis People of Willow Lake, and the community of Anzac," said Willow Lake Métis Nation's Vice President and CEO, Justin Bourque. Adding, "we acknowledge the hard truths of our past, but we know that our past does not dictate our future, and today demonstrates our willingness and commitment to do better."   

The ceremony marks the first flag-raising since the Municipality unanimously passed an updated flag policy that is inclusive of Indigenous flags in July 2021. The updated policy serves as an acknowledgement of the WLMN's history, as their flag is now permanently raised in Anzac at the gazebo park and at the Anzac Fire Hall. The raising of the flag provides a visual reminder to recognize and honour that the land upon which Anzac sits includes that of WLMN.

"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."

To learn more about the WLMN, visit: https://www.wlmn.ca/

About Willow Lake Métis Nation
Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN) are a Métis community whose members now mostly reside in the community of Anzac, Alberta. WLMN's roots lie in the history of the fur trade in Alberta and the economic and political circumstances that evolved during and after the fur trade.

The historical Willow Lake community was close to trade and travel routes that connected Fort McMurray and Willow Lake to Lac La Loche to the east, to Fort Chipewyan to the north, and to Lac La Biche to the south. Willow Lake Métis people lived on and derived their livelihood from the lands between these locations through much of the later fur trade period, and WLMN people continue to use these lands to exercise their Indigenous rights, sustain their culture and identity as Métis people, support their community, and pass their knowledge and way of life on to their descendants. Key Métis family lines represented in the WLMN community include Bourque, Cardinal, Huppie, Lavallee, McKenzie, Quintal, and Whitford.

For more information, visit: https://www.wlmn.ca/about-us

SOURCE Willow Lake Métis Nation

Media Contact for Willow Lake Métis Nation: Name: Peter Pilarski, Title: Vice President, CIPR Communications, P: 403-462-1160, E: [email protected]