Northwest Territories

Feb 13

The flag of the Northwest Territories is a unique symbol of Canada’s northern region. It embodies the history, geography, and culture of this vast and sparsely populated territory. Unveiled in 1969, this flag replaced the Union Jack, which had been the unofficial standard of the Northwest Territories since its incorporation into Canada. The design process and its resulting elements tell a fascinating story of identity, inclusivity, and regional pride.

When the Northwest Territories sought a distinct flag, the Canadian centennial in 1967 provided the perfect impetus. The region's government launched a design competition, inviting submissions from across the territory. Over 400 designs were submitted, ranging from the traditional to the wildly imaginative. A jury, which included heraldic experts and representatives from the region, ultimately selected the design of Robert Bessant, a Canadian artist from Manitoba. His concept was chosen for its simplicity, elegance, and meaningful symbolism.

The flag was officially adopted on January 1, 1969. It replaced the Union Jack, reflecting the Northwest Territories' evolution from a frontier governed by colonial administrators to a modern jurisdiction with its own legislature. The new flag symbolized a fresh identity, rooted in the land and its people.

The Northwest Territories flag is a 2:1 Canadian pale-style with a central shield flanked by two vertical blue bars. The proportions of the flag are 2:1:2, meaning the blue sections on either side are equal in width and together balance the central white panel. The two blue panels represent the region’s abundant lakes and rivers. Water is a dominant feature of the Northwest Territories’ geography, with the Mackenzie River, Great Slave Lake, and Great Bear Lake being among its most iconic landmarks. These waterways have historically been lifelines for transportation, sustenance, and trade.

The central white panel signifies the snow and ice that blanket the territory for much of the year. It serves as a reminder of the harsh, yet beautiful, northern environment that shapes life in the region. The shield in the centre is the flag’s focal point. Its design incorporates various elements that reflect the territory’s natural and human heritage. The upper section of the shield features a wavy blue line, representing the Arctic Ocean, and a diagonal line dividing red and gold, symbolizing the division between the boreal forest and the tundra. The red portion reflects the forested areas, while the gold stands for the tundra and its mineral wealth. Below this, a white fox’s head pays homage to the region’s importance in the fur trade, which played a vital role in its historical development.

While the flag is widely appreciated for its symbolism and aesthetic appeal, it has not been immune to criticism. Some Indigenous groups have expressed concerns that the flag does not sufficiently represent their cultures and histories. The design process, which took place in the late 1960s, did not involve significant consultation with the territory’s Indigenous communities. As a result, the flag’s imagery primarily reflects the perspectives and priorities of settler society and government officials of the time.

Another criticism stems from the flag’s complexity. While beautiful, the detailed shield in the centre is challenging to reproduce accurately, particularly on small-scale items like pins or patches. This has led to calls for a simpler, more universally recognizable design.