In Crisis? 
Lately I find myself thinking a lot about symbols that exist within communities and cultures and the power they hold to unite, whether positively or negatively, around a certain idea.
One of the reasons I have been thinking about this is that lately I find myself mesmerized in our own community by the significant displays of symbolism towards the Winnipeg Jets, our hometown hockey team, as they make a viable playoff run for the first time in a very long time. The world has seen video images of Winnipeggers covered in white and celebrating in the streets. However, what I notice the most is the flags. It seems every second vehicle is now adorned with a Jets flag, along with buildings, and sometimes even people! I am in awe of the power of sport to bring community together, like an alternate language has been created.
I drove up to Klinic last week on a very windy day, and I was, as I often am, momentarily struck by the flapping of the flags that adorn our roof. People often describe them as very loud and noticeable; I personally find them inspiring and love their sound. When I pulled around to the back and noticed the Jets flag on the truck of our jack-of-all-trades maintenance person Roland, I was not surprised. Roland is personally responsible for the upkeep and changing of our Klinic flags, and takes this job very seriously. I know that he takes the time to look at them daily, and recognizes them as an important part of Klinic, as so many do. In fact, that very day we had a chat about one that I noticed flying a little low that he would be going to look at.
These flags have been on my mind regularly, along with other iconic symbols of Klinic, as we move forward on planning our new home at 167 Sherbrook.
In fact, in looking at the initial designs, one of the early things the designers identified is the possibility of the flags having a unifying affect across the frontage of our new space. The flags can act as hopefully a gentle reminder for our clients and community, that this is still us, that we are still the place we have always been and our intention that everyone can feel a sense of belonging.
The current flags sitting on top of our site are:
1. Canadian
2. Infinity (Métis)
3. CUPE
4. Manitoba
5. Nunavut
6. KIinic
7. Rainbow
8. 4 Color (Indigenous)
We see this as a great opportunity to ask our community, do you think we are missing anything? Do you have any feedback you would like to share on how we ensure our new home in West Broadway will feel as welcoming as possible to all? Please feel free to email us at building@klinic.mb.ca if you would like to share your thoughts. In addition, if you are excited to see the designs for our new site, please join us for our AGM on June 20th where they will be unveiled.
Perhaps it is time we think about adding a playoff flag…