FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31th, 2014
MP for Labrador
Yvonne Jones
Today, March 31st, 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the Labrador Flag. Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, spoke to the significance of this date:
“Forty years ago, Michael S. Martin designed our beautiful Labrador Flag. This flag represents all the people of Labrador; from the white representing the snow, which provides us with a way to travel across the land to our communities. It also represents the long winters and how much it has impacted our way of life and culture. Then there is the green in the middle which represents the bountiful Big Land that we call home. We are blessed with plentiful resources in every region of Labrador. The blue represents all the rivers, streams, lakes, and ocean which also help connect our people and provide food and other items essential for survival. The spruce branch is reflective of the difficult years in the past we have had to endure; as well it is representative of the Inuit, Innu, and Europeans who have settled the land who are brought together over their share a commonality living off of this land.”
Ms. Jones also commented on the importance of Labrador being distinct with its own flag:
“Today, when you go any part of Labrador, you will see the Labrador Flag everywhere. It speaks to the pride we have for our land, and the sense of community we share thanks in part to this flag. I don’t think Mr. Martin or anyone could have anticipated how big an impact his work would turn out to be in uniting all people in Labrador. Nonetheless, I am thankful for his work and proud that we have our own flag to truly represent our Labrador. I encourage all people in Labrador to fly the Labrador flag and incorporate it into their celebrations with their communities and families. I call on the provincial government to display the Labrador flag at all border entrances to Labrador. ”
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