The historical and current uses of the arrowhead sash and the debate surrounding its origins show that it has been prized by many different groups in Canada. Historically French Canadians, aboriginal peoples, and Métis have claimed the sash as theirs and used it to indicate social standing, particularly in the context of the fur trade. Today, it is part of the cultural legacy of each of these communities. Research into material culture has long maintained that we can understand the significance that groups attach to an object simply by tracing its history. This article takes a different approach by exploring the idea that we can understand the significance specific groups attach to certain objects by studying the inherent physical characteristics, as indicated by the history of the arrowhead sash.

Photo "Parc L' Ile-Aux-Foins in Neguac, NB" Credit Julie Benoit.

From what I have found, aside from First Nations peoples within what is now called Canada, Acadians are the only other community of peoples who can classify themselves as a unique nationality and culture if born in this country. All other people are classified as Canadian, even if they are children of a European parent who was born in their homeland. For example: lets say you are Irish, or a Scot, or Italian, etc...unless you were born and grew-up in that country and learnt the culture, you are only a Canadian or American with Irish or Scot or Italian ancestry. You cannot claim to be Irish, only a Canadian with Irish heritage. People from the homeland country do not recognize you as one of them, if you were not immersed in their culture while living in that country.

Acadians and First Nations peoples are the only communities who are Canadian by citizenship, but still fully maintain their unique cultural identities because their ancestors were here before this land became Canada. In other words, we are Canadian citizens, but we are not Canadian. We are Acadians!