Canadian Flags Flying at Half Mast

In remembrance of the fallen. That is the usual way of honouring the dead. Canada has kept its flags at half-mast since the unmarked graves of 215 native children were discovered at the former Indian Residential School at Kamloops in May. But now we are approaching Remembrance Day and the flags cannot be lowered if they’re already at half-mast.

As a Government, Canada has to walk a tightrope between the native population and the rest of its citizens. And, really, no matter which way they try to reach an acceptable compromise, there are always voices calling them out.

It will be interesting to see how soon the flags are raised again after this coming Thursday. Hopefully, the very next day. The (com)promise will be to lower the flags again next September 30th* in honour of the children who died and were buried in secret all those years ago.

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation