History
Under the pass system, which began informally in the early 1880s, First Nations were only permitted to leave their reserves if they had a written pass from the local Indian agent. The pass system began in response to the threat that prairie Indians might forge a pan-Indian alliance against Canadian authorities.
The pass system established in the 1880s discouraged parents from visiting their children in off-reserve residential schools and gave Indian agents greater authority to prevent First Nations from participating in banned ceremonies and dances on distant reserves.
In 1996, Canada officially recognized June 21 as National Aboriginal Day. June 21 was selected for the celebration because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice.
Métis leader, Louis Riel was tried and found guilty of treason for his role in the 1885 Northwest Resistance. He was hanged on November 16, 1885. In 1992 he was officially recognized as one of the founders of Confederation.
Louis Riel Day is celebrated on November 16th to affirm the contributions of Métis people in Canada and to reflect on Louis Riel's proper place in Canada's history.
The Métis flag is Canada's oldest patriotic flag. As a symbol of nationhood, the Métis flag predates Canada's Maple Leaf flag by about 150 years.
The Métis flag was first used by the Métis in 1816. The flag bears an infinity symbol that symbolizes the creation of a new society with roots in both Aboriginal and European cultures and traditions.
