Batoche, Saskatchewan, June 18, 2010 -- On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, today participated in a special event at Batoche National Historic Site of Canada to mark the 125th anniversary of the events of the North-West Resistance of 1885 and the 125th anniversary of the first Red Cross flag flown in Canada.
“Anniversaries such as these remind us of the men and women who helped shape this great country,” said Mr. Trost. “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am honoured to be part of today’s commemorative event, and proud to acknowledge the importance of the 1885 events in Canada’s history.”
The Red Cross insignia on white background has been identifiable on European battlefields from as early as 1864 as a place of refuge for the wounded. This symbol did not immediately spread to Canada which did not have a standing army and therefore no need for the organization. In 1885 however, the situation changed significantly when hostilities erupted in the Canadian West with the Battle of Duck Lake between the North West Mounted Police and the Métis on March 26, 1885.
This was the first engagement of the armed conflict, which would become known as the North-West Rebellion or Resistance. The flag was one of three first flown during the North-West Resistance, marking the first time the Red Cross symbol was used in Canada. A decade later, the first branch of the Red Cross was established in Canada, creating a society that has been involved in humanitarian and health activities in both war and peace since that date.
“Batoche represents an important part of our history, not only for the Métis and First Nations, but for all Canadians” said Minister Prentice. “This special place and the events which took place here still serve to remind us how broad and deep that history is and how it continues to be an important part of our country. “
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
Audra Norek
Cultural Resource Management Projects Officer
Parks Canada
306-745-6234
