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NNSL Photo/graphic

The new flag incorporates the three founding sisters of Jean Marie River. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Jean Marie River flag unveiled

Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jun 23/06) - Jean Marie River's flag is the latest addition to the 33 flags from communities in the Northwest Territories that line the Capital Park causeway in Yellowknife near the Prince of wales Northern Heritage Centre.

NNSL Photo/graphic

Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche raises Jean Marie River's new flag on the Capital Park causeway in Yellowknife. - Jennifer Geens/NNSL photo


The new flag was raised in a ceremony on June 16, attended by Chief Stan Sanguez, Margaret Ireland, four community elders and MLA Kevin Menicoche.

The crest on the flag is the product of almost a year's work. Sanguez said the whole community was consulted about the design. The goal was to create a crest that incorporated all aspects of the community.

After a number of ideas, community elders said they wanted to recognize the three sisters who founded the community, Sanguez said.

"I felt honoured we had a ceremony for them," he said.

The area where Jean Marie is located was long used as a summer camp, but about 90 years ago, three sisters decided to settle there permanently, explained Margaret Ireland, the community's traditional knowledge coordinator.

Sophie, Cecile and Margaret Mezah went on to have eight children. Most of the population of Jean Marie River can trace their roots to them, Ireland said.

The finished design for the crest was created by Pride Promotional Products.

In the design, the three sisters look down on a depiction of the river and their hair becomes three large pines in the landscape.

The colours are a soft blend of yellow ochre, green and blue.

The design also reflects Jean Marie's vision, respect for our people, land and its resources, Ireland said.

"I was very happy we accomplished this honouring our ancestral grandmothers," Ireland said.

- with files from Jennifer Geens