Many gathered at Kamloops city hall this morning to recognize National Louis Riel day.
The Metis flag, bearing the infinity symbol, was raised for the first time in the Tournament Capital today.
The president of the Two Rivers Metis Society Dean Gladue says conditions are improving for Metis people.
“Infinity symbolizes we’ll always be here, we’re never ending. We’re here for the long run. There’s no end, no beginning, and we’re all interwoven as Canadians in that,” Gladue says.
Gladue says there’s about 1,500 Metis people in Kamloops.
“By flying this flag today it demonstrates to them that, be proud of who are, where you come from and never be ashamed of who you are,” Gladue says. “Because that’s sort of an identity that some of us come from. Not so much the shame, but the fear of persecution and the fear of outlash.”
Louis Riel day recognizes the Metis politician who was hung by the federal government 133 years ago on this day, in 1885.