Treaty No. 1 Legacy Flag Installation at Lower Fort Garry

Parks Canada, with leaders and representatives from the Treaty No. 1 First Nations and a Minister of the Crown, unveiled the Legacy Flag Installation at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site on August 3, 2017, to honour the making of Treaty No. 1 at Lower Fort Garry on that date in 1871.

Symbolizing the importance of the historical agreement made between the Crown and the Treaty No. 1 First Nations, this permanent feature of the site includes each First Nation’s flag as well as the Canada flag and the Union Jack. The flag installation also highlights the connection of the Treaty No. 1 First Nations to Lower Fort Garry, a connection that remains strong to this day.

The seven First Nations that are represented in the installation are: Peguis First Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and Swan Lake First Nation.

In their remarks at the exhibit’s unveiling, the Chiefs and their delegates noted that the Treaty No. 1 Legacy Flag Installation was a positive step in building the relationship between Canada and the First Nations.

“Today is a great example of reconciliation,” said Long Plain First Nation Chief Dennis Meeches in his address to the crowd.

The Legacy Flag Installation is located in an open area just outside the Fort’s stone walls and is open for free public viewing year-round. This large flag display is visible from the nearby highway, drawing attention and interest daily from those driving by the site.