Sault Ste. Marie Métis community raises Ukrainian flag

Sault Ste. Marie's Metis community has raised the Ukrainian flag at its John Street headquarters. 

The flag can be seen flying with the Métis flag atop the former St. John's Anglican Church in a recent social media post.  

"The Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council stands with the people of Ukraine as they bear the brunt of the unacceptable aggression of the President of Russia. The thoughts and prayers of the Métis community go out to the people in Ukraine and to the people in Russia who are standing up to their dictator and trying to stop this war," reads the Facebook post. "The Métis community extends our support to the local Ukrainian community and raise the Ukrainian flag along with our flag at the Sault Ste Marie Métis Centre."

Métis Nation of Ontario Region 4 Councillor Mitch Case, who is well known for creating traditional Métis floral beadwork, told SooToday that he handcrafted the flag himself.   

"It wasn't possible to find one locally, and after checking with St. Mary's Church I just made one," said Case. "The Historic Sault Ste Marie Métis Council just wanted to show our solidarity with the local Ukrainian community and stand against tyranny."

A number of businesses in Sault Ste. Marie have been spotted showing support for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.