Lower Mainland Canada Day celebrations reimagined with spirit of unity and resilience

Canada Day Celebrations Promote Unity and Resilience in British Columbia

Reimagining Canada Day with Reconciliation

Thousands of British Columbians came together on Saturday to celebrate Canada’s national day in a spirit of reconciliation. For the second year, Canada Day at Canada Place was celebrated with the participation of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations, showcasing the importance of indigenous voices and cultures in the nation’s festivities. Planned in collaboration with these First Nations, the event, named ‘Canada Together,’ has become one of the largest Canada Day celebrations outside of Ottawa.

However, the celebrations were impacted by a port strike, necessitating the relocation of the citizenship ceremony from Canada Place to an office near BC Place. Despite this disruption, 30 new Canadian citizens were welcomed in a poignant ceremony that marked the culmination of their journeys to become Canadians.

Nitin Goyal, one of the new citizens, expressed his gratitude for the opportunities Canada has provided, stating, “Canada has given me a lot, and I’m really proud I am living here and this is my new home.”

Syed Ali Haider Rizvi, another new Canadian, highlighted the significance of the moment for individuals who have faced challenges and hardships in their lives, describing it as an incredible experience.

Commemorating a Dark Chapter in Canadian History

In Vancouver’s Chinatown, on the same Canada Day, the country’s first Chinese-Canadian Museum officially opened its doors. The museum’s inaugural exhibition commemorated the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act on July 1, 1923. This discriminatory legislation effectively banned Chinese immigration for over two decades, deeply affecting the Chinese community in Canada.

The exhibition serves as a vital reminder of the struggles endured by Chinese immigrants while contributing to the development of the nation. The act was abolished in 1947, paving the way for Chinese Canadians to obtain citizenship and the right to vote. King Yee, a visitor to the museum, reflected on his family’s history, stating, “We’ve come a long way as a people. I was just talking to my grandfather, he paid that head tax. The Chinese community has come a long way, and now we’re here celebrating. We’re all part of it, and it’s great.”

The opening of the Chinese-Canadian Museum and its commemorative exhibition illustrate the progress made in recognizing the contributions of diverse communities and confronting the injustices of the past.

Promoting Indigenous Cultural Revitalization

In Mission, another event took place to celebrate Canada Day with a focus on promoting Indigenous cultural revitalization. A powwow organized by the youth-led non-profit organization VYPER was held on the grounds of the former St. Mary’s Residential School. This event aimed to reclaim Indigenous roots, history, and identity while fostering unity among Indigenous communities.

Helena May, a spokesperson for VYPER, spoke about the profound impact of the residential school experience on her family’s history. She emphasized the importance of reclaiming their roots and becoming stronger together.

The powwow in Mission demonstrates the ongoing commitment to healing and restoring Indigenous cultures and traditions, acknowledging the painful legacy of residential schools and working towards reconciliation.

Changes to Canada Day Celebrations

While the Canada Day celebrations in British Columbia were marked by unity and resilience, there were notable changes to the traditional festivities. The Port of Vancouver announced the cancellation of the fireworks display due to rising costs and a “new direction” for the event. Gillian Behnke, a spokesperson for the Port of Vancouver, explained that the decision was made to allocate resources to create an incredible daytime event instead.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his disappointment and hopes for the return of the fireworks show in the coming years, stating, “Fireworks have long been a part of Canada Day in Vancouver, and we’re incredibly disappointed to see them canceled this year.” The absence of fireworks reflects the ongoing need for adaptation and evaluation of priorities in organizing public celebrations.

Editorial: Reflecting on the Values of Canada Day

Canada Day is an occasion of national pride and celebration, emphasizing the values that define our country. The diverse events in British Columbia on this special day highlighted the importance of unity, reconciliation, and recognizing the contributions of different communities that have shaped Canada’s history and identity.

The collaboration between the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations in organizing Canada Day at Canada Place exemplifies the commitment to reconciliation and the acknowledgment of Indigenous cultures and perspectives. This partnership serves as a reminder that true unity can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and a genuine effort to understand and learn from the experiences of Indigenous peoples.

Similarly, the opening of the Chinese-Canadian Museum with its commemorative exhibition provides an opportunity to reflect on our history. It is a stark reminder of the injustices that once permeated our society and the progress made towards equality and recognition for all Canadians. This serves as a reminder that acknowledging and learning from past mistakes is an essential step towards a more inclusive future.

The powwow organized by VYPER showcases the resilience and determination of Indigenous youth in reclaiming their cultural heritage. It is a testament to the ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation that all Canadians must actively support.

As we reflect on these events, it is crucial to remember that Canada Day is not solely about celebrating our past achievements but also acknowledging the work that lies ahead. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all Canadians.

Advice: Strengthening Unity Through Continued Reconciliation Efforts

While Canada Day provides a platform for unity and celebration, it is essential to recognize that the work of reconciliation and healing is ongoing. The events of this year’s celebrations in British Columbia demonstrate the progress made, but they also highlight the need for sustained efforts towards understanding, empathy, and justice.

Individuals and communities can contribute to reconciliation by actively listening, engaging in dialogue, and educating themselves about the experiences and histories of Indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities. Building relationships and fostering understanding form the foundation for a more inclusive and united Canada.

Supporting initiatives such as the establishment of cultural museums, like the Chinese-Canadian Museum, can also play a significant role in promoting awareness and understanding of the diverse contributions that have shaped our nation.

Additionally, Canadians must advocate for equitable policies and practices that ensure equal access to opportunities and resources for all individuals, regardless of their background. This includes supporting initiatives that address systemic inequalities and working towards dismantling the barriers that prevent full inclusion and participation.

Canada Day is a reminder of the potential of our nation, but it is also a call to action. By collectively embracing the values of unity, reconciliation, and resilience, we can continue to shape a future that reflects the principles of justice, equality, and respect for all.