Here are some excerpts from a Metis priest's prayer. "Metis people, God, have been wearing the sash proudly for many years. When I look at it, I notice that it is composed of many interconnected threads, many strands, many patterns, many colors contribute to the overall design of the sash. Our Metis culture God is like the sash. The lives of the Metis have been woven together from a variety of cultures, traditions and beliefs ... For example, God, we are the descendants of the English, of the French, of the Indian-Cree and Ojibway and Scots to name a few. We speak a variety of languages: English, Canadian French, Michif French, Michif Cree and Mashkegon. Look at the sash: it is a composite. It is a mixture. It is Metis. It is made of a variety of elements, like the lives of the Metis. Look at its pattern, its fabric, its colors. Nonetheless, these disparate elements form an integrated whole. Similarly, the different ethnic backgrounds and different languages to the Metis blend into one another to form a rich tapestry like the lives and culture of the Metis."
Today, the sash is still worn by the Metis people. Metis women occasionally wear it over the shoulder, while others wear it the traditional way, around the waist & tied in the middle, with the fringes hanging down.
The sash did not only hold sentimental and cultural values to the Metis, it also served practical functions. It was used as a tumpline (scarf that holds heavy objects to the back), first aid kit, rope, wash cloth and towel, saddle blanket and the ends could also serve as an emergency sewing kit on trips.
Taking its name from the Quebec town where it was produced, L'Assomption sash was also known as the "Ceinture Flechee". It was not only functional but colourful and identifiable as Metis apparel. Today, it is known simply as the "Metis Sash".
The distinct and identifying colours are : Yellow, Black, Red, White, Blue, Green and Purple.
YELLOW : represents the East - the Yellow Race - Depicting the sun and also the potential for prosperity.
BLACK: represents the South - the Black Race - The dark period of repression and dispossession..
RED: represents the West - the Red Race - The blood of the Metis shed through the years while fighting for our rights. Also one half of the traditional color of our people.
WHITE: represents the North - the White Race - Our connection to the Earth and our Creator. The color light and of the infinity symbol of our flag representing our 2 peoples mixed and traveling together forever. Also the other half of the traditional color of our people.
BLUE: represents the depth of our spirit, the sky and the water and the color of our Flag.
GREEN: represents Mother Earth and for the forests. The growth, fertility, prosperity of a great Nation. Along with the expansion and success of the Métis Nation and the reclaiming of their honorable status in Canada.
PURPLE: represents the depth of our spirit, our connection to the Creator and all living things.