Can Canada Day be a "source of unity" focused on reconciliation?

Now that Canada Day is imminent, the organizers of the celebrations here in Manitoba and throughout the country are balancing the celebrations with national pride and a difficult history with indigenous peoples. It states that it is trying to take.

Last year, some events across the country were canceled or kept small due to a tomb on the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. — A discovery that opened a lock for a similar investigation on the sites of residential schools across Canada.

In Winnipeg, thousands of orange-clad people went out to the streets a year ago to honor the survivors of a housing school, as part of a demonstration of the collapse of a large statue of Queen Victoria. , Manitoba State Assembly.

The statue has not been re-installed with a small statue of Queen Elizabeth II, and Manitoba leaders said last week that the Victorian monument wasirreparably damaged. The cagesaid it would not be recast.

Forks' popular Canadian Day celebration organizer renames the 2022 event to "New Week" However, I canceled the fireworks and promised the following activities. Being reflexive and at the same time blessing.

Saskatoon, Vancouver and Halifax are one of the other major Canadian centers taking a new approach to reconciliation-focused national holidays.

Read more:A community rethinking indigenous celebrations on Canada Day

Ethicalists Neil McArthur's debate on how to correctly recognize Canada Day in Global News can resonate more in cities like Winnipeg (the country's largest indigenous people) than in other regions.

"I wonder what Manitoba is really at the forefront," he said.

"This is what's happening in this part of the country, probably more prominent than the rest of the country, but probably many people haven't heard of this discussion."

McArthur said he felt it was important for Canada Day to be somehow recognized as a way to unite Canadians in an era of greater division than ever before. rice field.

Trend Story

"When we are really divided, it is the source of our unity, which may be true. Maybe the importance of this year's Canada Day. "

"The first goal is to celebrate us in a way that connects us, not further apart. I think it's to be sure.

"We need to balance and respect the celebration and reconciliation ... admitting the mistakes of the past and admitting the harm that continues to this day. Will always be part of it. "

Holidays He said it could have been something over the years. An excuse for Canadians to get drunk and uncomfortable. The calm focus on reconciliation may provide an opportunity for people to acknowledge that they need to dial back the side of the party, especially as it is intended for family holidays.

"This is a great opportunity to talk to your children about what it means to be Canadian, what Canada's history is, and what the future of Canada is."

Sean Carleton, a professor of history and indigenous studies at the University of Manitova, is in Global News It is possible to tackle these types of difficult topics. A Canadian who said he was part of it.

"I think everyone is free to celebrate and mark every day the way they want. This is one of the many things Canadians take seriously. "He said.

"But what's happening is an outright celebration of" Canada is the best. " The fact that emotions are not shared is not shared by many treaty partners. Work in progress and revelations still underway.

"(Canada Day) is probably .. an opportunity to find different ways to connect with the people of the day and establish an average relationship."

— Using files from the Canadian press

© 2022 GlobalNews, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.