Mayor Andrew Hallikas and members of the Sunset Country Metis join to raise the Metis flag outside the Fort Frances Civic Centre, September 12, 2023. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting

The Metis Nation flag has a permanent place at the Fort Frances Civic Centre.

It is now flying high alongside those of Canada, Ontario, the U.S. and the town.

It was raised in a ceremony with several members of the Sunset County Metis on hand.

Sunset Country Metis made a request several months ago that was agreed to by town council.

President Brady Hupet called the occasion historic.

“I sit back, and I wonder if Lou Riel were alive today and here amongst us, how proud he’d be of his little Beethi Nation, as he so proudly called us. We, as Indigenous people, have a long way to go for truth and reconciliation, but I truly believe the governments of Canada, as of now, are on the right track to make this happen in our future. We must also persevere in the struggle and carry the torch towards self-government for all our people. Today marks a day of truth and reconciliation that unites us with the town of Fort Frances as an Indigenous community that we are not the forgotten people,” says Hupet.

Theresa Stenlund, a regional director with the Metis Nation of Ontario, sees the flag at town hall as acknowledgment of the Metis.

“Merci, to the town of Fort Frances, the staff of Fort Frances council, our elected officials for respecting and honouring the people of Fort Frances and area by permanently flying our flag. This is indeed a step towards reconciliation, and it visibly shows that the Metis, who have long been a part of the Fort Francis area, are acknowledged by the Fort Frances,” says Stenlund.

Stenlund says the raising coincides with the 148th anniversary of the signing of the Half Breed Adhesion to Treaty Three in 1875 that recognized them within the Treaty.

Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas and Brady Hupet, Sunset Country Metis president, September 12, 2023. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting

Mayor Andrew Hallikas also called the flag-raising historic.

He says it is also symbolic of the friendship and partnership the town has with the local Metis community.

“Although raising this flag is only one small step on the road, the path to reconciliation, it is a very important step, and there is much work still to be done. Every time that we’re going to look up and see the Metis flag flying, we will be reminded of our friendship with the Sunset Country Metis and our commitment to truth and reconciliation,” says Hallikas.

Hallikas and Hupet say they intend to continue a dialogue and work together on issues impacting Metis people.

There are plans to raise the flag of Grand Council Treaty Three at a later.