Regina’s ‘living’ Canada 150 flag attracts Saskatoon family

It doubled in size last year, and for Canada’s 150th birthday, another thousand people were added in the mix to create the third annual ‘living’ Canada flag in Wascana Park.

Kozzivi Allsiobo and his family drove down from Saskatoon, just to experience the annual event.

He said it reminds him of his fresh start back in 2010.

“I immigrated seven years ago from (Togo, West Africa), and now I have a better life here,” explained Allsiobo. “I have a job and it’s peaceful.”

With his son Bentley by his side, Allsiobo was one of 2,000 who formed the living flag, and organizer Dena Wagner said lots of people were eager to participate.

“I think it’s just people wanting to be a part of something that’s a part of a celebration of Canada,” said Wagner.

Red and white t-shirts were handed out to participants, before they stood in a Canadian flag formation to sing O Canada and take an aerial photo.

Allsiobo said he treated the experience as an educational tool.

“I’m using (the living flag) to teach my kids that they have to respect their country and their country’s symbol,” he said. “It’s very important.”

Most of all, Allsiobo said being included in the living Canada flag meant being a part of something greater.

“In my culture, they say ‘don’t point a finger to your home,'” explained Allsiobo with a smile. “Canada is part of me, and I’m part of Canada.”