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Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs

by Thanh-Tâm Lê

See also:

First Nations
Canada - Historic, Cultural, Economic, Government (First Nations)

Union of BC Indian Chiefs

The Colours:

The white represents the purity of our reserve lands where equality and respect for all life forms exists. The white center of the flag allows a Band to place the name of their reserve or clan insignia within. The red color symbolizes our people and signifies the common bond between mankind and all creations by blood. The color blue symbolizes the universe of which we, as Indian people, are a part.

The Arrows

The arrows of the flag represent us, as Indian people, determined to seek and achieve more authority through our Indian Governments to govern ourselves. The arrow represents the power within each one of us which must be used to safeguard our homelands and ensure and Indian future for our children.

The number four is a sacred number. It recognizes the four directions, the four divisions of time, the four seasons. The four arrows in the flag represent the four elements of life. (the sun, the water, the land, and the air.)

The Circle

The circle represents the boundaries of our territories. The seasons move in circles and our dances are reflected by a circular shape and follow the path of the sun. We continue to represent ourselves with the circle and practice our ways, so the sacred circle heals and the people will become whole again, building up their Indian Governments.
From Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs website
researched by Phil Nelson - 28 March 1999