Canada Day in Canmore
Thank you to all those who participated in our 2021 programming!
Canada Day can bring up a wide range of emotions - from the elation of New Canadians who celebrate a new life in this country - to the pain of Indigenous Peoples who are reminded of the lasting impacts of colonialism. Our history in this land is complex and includes hard truths, like residential schools.
The discoveries of children buried in unmarked graves on former residential school properties affirm what many residential school survivors have been saying for years. These discoveries and the truth of Canada's history are leading for some to call for a cancelling or an amending of Canada Day festivities going forward.
We have heard and listened to these calls. We have also heard and listened to new Canadians who have come to our country and found opportunities they would not have otherwise had. In 2021, the Town of Canmore hosted a self-guided event, and in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation and the rich and complex experience of what it means to be Canadian, we will think deeply about our offerings next year to acknowledge Canada's full and complex history.
· The Town of Canmore also encourages families and friends to talk with children about Canada's complex history. The First Nations Family Caring Society has a kid-friendly resource.
· Instead of the traditional red, wear orange on Canada Day in recognition of the lives lost at residential schools as a show of solidarity.
