The Haitian flag- an inspiring story to know.

On May 18, 2024, the Regroupement des Hai􏰀ens du Manitoba-RDHM is pleased to invite you to its ac􏰀vity to commemorate the crea􏰀on of the na􏰀onal flag of the Republic of Hai􏰀. Indeed, on May 18, 1803, the general leaders of the army of revol􏰀ng slaves of Saint Domingue under the command of their general Jean-Jacques Dessalines chose as a rallying sign to lead the revolu􏰀on which led in 1804 to na􏰀onal independence: a two-tone Blue-Red flag. It was sewn by a woman - Catherine Flon. Since then, this banner has remained a dis􏰀nc􏰀ve sign of the Hai􏰀an na􏰀on; symbolizing its trials and ambi􏰀ons as ci􏰀zens and a country. The civic values embedded in the meaning of this flag are the wish of these ci􏰀zens to live in freedom in union and wealth for all “UNION IS STRENGTH”.

Flags are an integral part of people’s history. For ages, it has been commonly used as a means of expression and gathering; carrying loud and clear the culture, history, values, hopes for example of a na􏰀on, a community or a social cause. For the person who raises/greets it, it is a gesture of expression of their belonging to the designated group.

There are hundreds of flags around the world; and a plurality can coexist in the same society. Our society, Manitoba, Canada is an example. For its commemora􏰀on on May 18, 2024 of the original flag of most of its members, the RDHM would like to invite you to a dialogue on the feeling of belonging felt to a flag. We propose to explore the following ques􏰀on:

Is it contradictory for an individual to demonstrate a na􏰀onal (Canadian) iden􏰀ty and at the same 􏰀me one or more iden􏰀􏰀es of origin or choice?

In the aim of transmission, this ac􏰀vity will give special a􏰁en􏰀on to our youths from various communi􏰀es. They will come and give free reign to their crea􏰀vity and imagina􏰀on to create a collec􏰀ve artwork where each individually can draw the flag to which he.she feels belonging. In addi􏰀on, a panel discussion is planned where several of these young people will give their opinion. This will be an opportunity for exchanges and sharing with the new genera􏰀on, the bearers of Manitoba's future.

The RDHM will highlight the message of the transcendental value of the Hai􏰀an flag “UNION” and we will discuss the no􏰀on of: Exclusive Allegiance and Plural Iden􏰀ty.

We look forward to these exchanges in a good ambiance and it promises that everyone will come out with a new knowledge, Hai􏰀an snacks will be served.

MOLIERE CIRCLE THEATER – SATURDAY MAY 18, 2024 – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM