HAY RIVER - The Northwest Territory Metis Nation has adopted a new sash – one of the most widely-recognized symbols of Metis culture.

Betty Villebrun models the new sash. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"I think it's beautiful," said president Betty Villebrun of Fort Smith. "We have to have something that represents us."

Members of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation had previously worn the sash of Metis in Manitoba.

"We never had our own," Villebrun said.

Members of the organization have been talking about creating their own distinctive sash for many years.

In June, the Metis Nation advertised for public submissions for a new sash, including a drawing and an explanation of the design and colours.

At its mid-September meeting, the board of directors accepted a design proposed by Lisa Hudson of Fort Smith.

The new sash incorporates colours symbolizing the Metis people, the sun, waterways, northern lights, fireweed, and the boreal forest, prairie and sedges.