The Canadian flag in the picture provided for this editorial says it all. The heart of the flag where the maple leaf should be has been torn out, and only the outskirts of the flag remain. Probably the result of the harsh climate in which the First Nations live, which at times can be beautiful and welcoming, but also isolated, dark and unforgiving. If one were to read the symbolism in this flag it would probably tell the story of a nation who has not removed themselves from Canada, but rather removed the rest of Canada from themselves; as the flag so boldly represents. Viewing the outskirts of this flag as the First Nations it depicts a nation of people who are barely holding on, flapping in the wind without purpose, and desparately clinging onto a past that no longer exists, afraid to change.

The rest Canada, which is at the heart of the flag that is missing, has tried hard for years to mend it's ways, made attempts to give strength back to the First Nations' people, so that one day the flag could be brought back together once again. But everytime Canada asks the First Nations to help with sewing things up they always seem to find a way to avoid the work necessary to mend the Canadian flag. Most concerning of all are the flags they don't feel they need to mend at all, these are the ones that fly high above their communities. Flags with colourful pictures of strength, heritage, and pride among their people. These flags they feel never need to be mended, have always been strong, and only represent the truth of who they really are. A truth that now is somehow failing, and is in need of a lengthy mend by a true seamstress among their people.

Until all of this mending happens, and the First Nations find the will to repair these flags, their world will forever lie in tatters, with their dreams of being a proud nation left floating in the wind.

TM.