Montreal Adds Tree of Peace Symbol to City's Flag

Montreal has taken steps to recognize the contributions of Indigenous people to the city by adding a Tree of Peace symbol to its city flag and making a commitment to rename Amherst Street.

Amherst Street was originally named after British Gen. Jeffery Amherst, who advocated giving smallpox-laced blankets to Indigenous peoples.

On Wednesday, September 13, 2017, Mayor Denis Coderre unveiled the new flag, which features a white pine tree at its center, alongside Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for Quebec and Labrador.

The announcement was made on the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Great Tree of Peace, is a symbol of the unity of the five nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or the League of Five Nations.

Kahnawake Mohawk Council Chief Christine Zachary-Deom said it was moving to see the new flag raised at city hall.

"When we come from people who have been forgotten for such a long time, it is very touching to find that we are supported," she said following the ceremony.

Speaking at the announcement, Coderre said the change is part of an effort to move toward reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Ghislain Picard, chief of the Assembly of First Nations for Quebec and Labrador said, "Today is a historical day for Montreal. The raising of the flag is giving me hope that the connection to this territory is finally acknowledged and recognized,"

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'tweeted', calling it a "tremendous and historic step forward for Montreal."

The old flag featured symbols representing four of the Montreal's founding communities which is still featured in the new version: Fleur-de-lys, representing the French; a red Rose of Lancaster, representing the English; a thistle, representing the Scots and a shamrock, representing the Irish.

Coderre also confirmed the change for Amherst Street, going as far as stating, 'Goodbye, Mr. Amherst'.

According to CBC news, scholars have long debated Amherst's actions during his service, including evidence he advocated the use of biological warfare, through smallpox blankets, to kill Indigenous people.

'Extirpate this execrable race' (a quote from Amherst): the dark history of Jeffery Amherst said Picard, represented "a very dark stain on our history," and agreed it should be removed.

"If we want reconciliation, I don't think we should celebrate someone who wanted to exterminate Indigenous peoples.", Corderre stated.

The city has not yet decided on a new name for the street, but said it will be connected to the native community, possibilities include the name of a chief, or 'Avenue of Reconciliation'.