Flag of Alberta facts for kids
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Use | Civil and state flag |
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Proportion | 1:2 |
Adopted | 1 June 1968 |
Design | Ultramarine blue with the shield of the Alberta arms centred on the flag |
The flag of Alberta is an important symbol of the Canadian province of Alberta. In 1968, the government of Alberta decided on the design for the flag. It was officially adopted on June 1, 1968.
The flag is twice as long as it is wide (a 1:2 proportion). It has a deep blue background, which is called ultramarine blue. In the middle of the flag is the shield from Alberta's coat of arms. This shield is about two-thirds the height of the flag.
The official colours of Alberta are blue and gold (a deep yellow). These colours were chosen in 1984. They are sometimes called "Alberta blue" and "Alberta gold." You can see them on the flag and the shield. The blue represents the sky, and the gold represents the wheat fields.
In 2001, a group called the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) studies flags. They ranked the Alberta flag 35th out of 72 flags from Canadian provinces, U.S. states, and U.S. territories.
Contents
How the Alberta Flag Was Created
The idea for Alberta to have its own flag came about in the mid-1960s. This was around the time Canada was getting ready to celebrate 100 years since it became a country.
Why a Flag Was Needed
In November 1966, some women's groups in Alberta asked the leader of the province, Premier Ernest Charles Manning, for a special flag for Alberta. They wanted Alberta to have its own unique symbol.
When the Flag Was Adopted
The government of Alberta listened to these requests. They designed a flag and approved it as the official provincial flag. This happened on June 1, 1968.
The Flag in Sports
You might even see the Alberta flag on sports uniforms! The Calgary Flames, a professional ice hockey team, use the flag as a shoulder patch on their jerseys.
See also
In Spanish: Bandera de Alberta para niños