Activists call for replacing of Canadian flag with Indigenous artist's design

In light of Canada Day, an article by Freshdaily urges for the 55-year-old Canadian flag to be replaced by an Indigenous creator’s rendition.

"Lots of things could be improved about Canada, and maybe our flag would be a good place to start," the article begins.

The late Curtis Wilson—also known by his traditional name "Mulidzas"—designed the artwork. His native interpretation infuses Indigenous symbols hidden inside the current Canadian flag.

The signature maple leaf, which has been on the Canadian Red Ensign since 1868, contains a killer whale for protection.

The salmon—a fertile provider and source of life for the Kwakwaka’wakw people—on the outer red bands represent "family," "friendships," and "strength in numbers." Wilson’s Canadian Native Flag translates from its Indigenous name to "standing together in support of each other."

Wilson recognized himself as a Canadian and First Nations Canadian and infused his dual identity into his work, reflecting both his cultural heritage and the current nation.

In an explanation of Wilson’s work, he wrote, "Throughout my life, I have come to learn all the different relationships, interactions, hardships and struggles that First Nations people have faced in this country."

"His legacy resounds on Canada Day in 2020 less than a year after his death, with people acknowledging they live on stolen, unceded land," the Freshdaily article ends.

This piece is in response to Wilson’s flag floating around Twitter on Canada Day, used as political imagery against the alleged recent wave of "systemic racism" towards Indigenous and black people.

Contrary to the "racist" narrative Freshdaily aligns with, the modern day Canadian flag is a source of national pride for all Canadians since its unveiling in 1965, according to the Department of Canadian Heritage.

During a period known as the Great Flag Debate, a parliamentary committee was created and given a 6-week deadline to agree on a national flag. This became a project by the people for the people in search of an icon that represents Canadians everywhere, present and future.

Thousands of designs poured in until the iconic version was picked that is seen flying high today.

The "inclusive" Canadian Native Flag would ironically exclude millions of Canadian citizens, an injustice that ignores the work of a nation.

In the words of Canadian politician and flag developer John Matheson, the flag "was the handiwork of many loving hands, extended over a long period of Canada’s history."

This comes days after The Chronicle Herald, out of Halifax, apologized for publishing a Canadian flag.