Submitted by: The MNO Toronto and York Region Métis Council
MNO Toronto and York Region Métis Council (TYRMC) President Tera Beaulieu (far left) presents the new Métis sash to MNO TYRMC Youth Committee members (L-R) Elise St. Germain, Alicia Blore and Christine Skura. Click here to view a larger version.
On Louis Riel Day, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Toronto and York Region Métis Council (TYRMC) unveiled a new Métis sash that they have been working on for over a year! Several designs were considered with the final design being selected through feedback from a community meeting as well as from some amazing Métis youth during their Weaving the Sash project.
The sash is described as follows:
Green runs through the sash—like our connection to the land, and represents the gardens, ravines and forests throughout Toronto and York and represents the future through Métis youth.
Blue represents the sky, water, and the Métis flag.
Three blue stripes represent the rivers that connect Toronto and York—the Humber, Don and Rouge.
Yellow, Red, Black and White represent the four directions, the diversity of the region and the acknowledgement of the traditional territory in the region including the Wendat, Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
Yellow represents honour. We honour those committed to ending violence and abuse and we honour Métis women.
Red represents our heritage and our blood and honours Métis veterans.
Black reminds us of the dark times in our past.
White represents the wisdom of our elders and the infinity symbol—that our culture will live on.
Grey represents the concrete—the urban city we call home.
These new Métis sashes are available for purchase. If you are interested in buying one, please contact the MNO TYRMC at council@tyrmc.org.
Posted January 23, 2017