First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Symbols

Symbol

Significance

The Medicine Wheel is a traditional teaching tool for First Nations. It represents the Circle of Life and how to walk the earth in a balanced, peaceful and harmonious way.

The Eagle Feather is the most sacred of feathers and is considered an honourable gift from the Creator. It is the representation of a life lived according to principle. It is the responsibility of the carrier to carry that feather with respect by walking a good path.

Sweetgrass is one of the four sacred medicines used in smudging ceremonies to symbolically cleanse the body and other objects. It is considered to be the hair of Mother Earth and respect is shown by braiding her hair. It is also a symbol of unity, clarity of mind and strength of purpose.

The Métis Sash is an important cultural symbol to the Métis people. Most often worn as a belt, the three-metre long finger woven swath of colourful cloth has many other practical applications.

The Infinity sign symbolizes two cultures (French and First Nation people) together and the continuity of the Métis culture.

Inuksuit are the mysterious stone figures found throughout the circumpolar world, and have become a familiar symbol of the Inuit and their homeland. Inuksuk (the singular of Inuksuit) means "in the likeness of a human" and is a monument made of unworked stones that is used by the Inuit for communication and survival.