Although jobs and businesses begin to reopen, and families and friends begin to gather, the celebration of Canada Day will be different this year. Not only because of the Covid-19 health protocols, but also in solidarity with indigenous peoples.
Several Canadian communities have already announced that they are partially or fully canceling their Canada Day celebrations. For example, Melville has encouraged families to rejoice in all that Canada has to offer, but recalls that “there is a dark cloud hovering over our country as unidentified graves continue to be discovered. We must show empathy and respect for those affected, ”adds the city’s statement.
The discovery of hundreds of unnamed bodies and graves has sparked demands for the Pope to offer a public apology at levels never seen before. There are already four churches burned on indigenous lands, and the government of Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, faces strong pressure inside and outside the country.
The discoveries have renewed calls by activists to use Canada Day as an opportunity to shed light on what some call the Canadian government’s “racist and discriminatory treatment” of indigenous peoples.
‘A cultural genocide’
On May 27, the discovery of the remains of 215 children was announced in the former Kamloops boarding school in British Columbia, a site that was managed by a Catholic congregation. Cadmus Delorme, head of the Cowessess reservation, reported the discovery of 751 unmarked graves on the grounds of what was the Marieval boarding school in Saskatchewan. “It is not a mass grave; They are nameless graves. The Catholic Church removed the tombstones in the 1960s, ”Delorme said.
Kamloops and Marieval were part of the network of 139 boarding schools for indigenous minors that operated between 1883 and 1996. Some 150,000 children were forced to live in these centers financed by the Canadian federal government and run by religious groups, (more than 70% of them Catholic).
Neglect, physical punishment, sexual violence and racism were common in them. In 2015, a commission classified what happened in these institutions as a “cultural genocide”. The commission established in 2019 that at least 4 thousand 134 minors died in these centers. Other experts estimate that the figure is over 6,000.
The apology that does not arrive
There are already three occasions in which Trudeau asks the Catholic Church to apologize for the facts. “After carefully considering the request, and after extensive dialogue with the Canadian bishops, Pope Francis feels that he cannot respond personally,” Trudeau said, adding: “As a Catholic, I am deeply disappointed by the decision of the Catholic Church now and during the last years”.
The Argentine pope said he felt “hurt” by the discovery and “close to the Canadian people, who have been traumatized by the shocking news. The sad discovery makes people aware of the pain and suffering of the past. May the political and religious authorities of Canada continue to work together with determination to bring to light the details of this sad story and humbly commit themselves to a path of reconciliation and healing. “
For her part, Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Relations with Indigenous Groups, described the Pope’s words as “insufficient”. And Trudeau stated emphatically, “Indigenous communities want and need an apology.”
In Parliament Hill, the party is virtual
For the second year in a row, Canada Day festivities in Ottawa will be reduced, with the federal government planning a virtual celebration instead of its usual party on Parliament Hill and several community events canceled due to the pandemic. in progress.
Steven Guilbeault, Canadian Heritage Minister, said “July 1 is about celebrating what makes Canada beautiful and strong,” Guilbeault said.
“This year, more than ever, Canada Day invites Canadians to show empathy, understanding and resilience. It also provides an opportunity to reflect, reaffirm our commitment to address systemic racism and discrimination, and learn from each other with open hearts and minds. “
He added in the statement that the most important thing is that “Canada Day allows us to maintain a truthful, reconciling and inclusive dialogue while we strengthen the ties that unite us and we look towards the future of our country with hope and confidence while we recognize darker episodes of our history”.
On July 1, as you reflect on what being a part of this country means to you, we invite you to create memorable moments at home and celebrate the artistic diversity of Canada
Canadian Heritage prepares a two-hour program for the country’s birthday that will feature Canadian artists and artisans and a virtual 3D fireworks display beginning at 10 pm local time on July 1.
In addition to the television broadcasts, the Canada Day event, from 8 pm to 10 pm ET, will air on the Canadian Heritage YouTube channel, which will also broadcast exclusive video clips behind the scenes during commercial breaks.
Hosted by Anne-Marie Withenshaw, the event will feature Canadian artists such as July Black, Jann Arden, Véronic DiCaire, Les Trois Accords, Tyler Shaw, Paper Lions, Boogey the Beat, Lawrence Nayally, Kiki Coe, Major Funk, Madison Violet and more. .
Celebrations canceled
Some cities and towns have decided to cancel Canada Day celebrations out of respect for indigenous communities in light of the discovery of nearly 1,000 bodies in residential schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. The Canadian Museum of History also said it will not host its usual parade of games and performances related to Canada Day.
“In light of the ongoing discoveries of nameless graves at former residential school sites at locations across the country, this is a time for deep reflection on our history and the impacts of that history on the country today.” museum spokeswoman Patricia Lynch said in a statement.
Lynch added that after Canada Day, the museum would honor children and others yet to be discovered “by continuing to provide a platform for indigenous voices.”
Some businesses have decided not to open on Canada Day and others have pledged to donate all proceeds from July 1 to indigenous charities.
Several towns around the Cowessess First Nation have also canceled their Canada Day celebrations and parade out of respect for their First Nation neighbors. In a joint statement, they say mayors and the Council will consult with local First Nations leaders “in an effort to plan an intercultural celebration in the summer of 2021.”
And they add that the Council encourages people to place a candle in their window or on your front step, or hang an orange shirt in your window in support of the Cowessess First Nation, survivors of residential schools and all who are in mourning.
