In the wake of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves of Indigenous youth at former residential institutions, a growing number of municipalities across the country are opting to cancel Canada Day celebrations.
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Those festivities were already destined to be muted this year as the country emerges — at varying stages — from the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic but this Canada Day, instead of the fireworks and parades, there have been calls nationwide for a reckoning on the effects of colonialism and a re-examination of the findings and calls for action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada as a way to support Indigenous people as they grieve.
Over the past month, the discovery of the remains of nearly 1,000 children using ground-penetrating radar on the grounds of the former institutions operated by the Catholic Church on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation in Kamloops, B.C., and Cowessness First Nation in Saskatchewan — plus a possible 104 more in Manitoba — have led to a need for increased mental health supports due to traumatizing memories for residential school survivors.
See also: Local reaction to discovery of children's remains at former residential school in British Columbia
Nipissing First Nation community leader George Couchie has said the number of Indigenous children's bodies uncovered could reach as high as 50,000. Couchie's father was a residential school survivor.
As he did at the steps of the Pro-Cathedral, and later, at the municipal offices as flags were returned to full-mast, Couchie will lead a smudging and drum ceremony as North Bay City Hall will be illuminated orange on July 1 "in support of the victims and families of the residential school system in Canada and out of respect for all Indigenous communities and Canadians who are grieving following the recent discoveries at former residential schools in Saskatchewan and British Columbia."
Orange is the chosen colour to promote awareness in Canada about cultural genocide and the Indian residential school system and the impact on Indigenous communities.
See also: Country's tragic residential-school reckoning could be grim harbinger for U.S.
The City of North Bay has opted to go ahead with virtual programming for those who wish to participate while offering resources for those who wish to take the day to reflect on the recent discoveries at the institutions.
"The City of North Bay recognizes that Canada Day holds different meaning for each of us and that it is not a day of celebration for everyone. With this in mind, we would encourage everyone, whether you are celebrating or taking time to reflect, to learn more about all aspects of our country’s history and its relationship with Indigenous peoples."
The City's website offers a number of online resources, available to those who would like to learn more.
On how he anticipates Canada Day will be celebrated this year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week, "Many, many Canadians will be reflecting on reconciliation, on our relationship with Indigenous peoples and how it has evolved and how it needs to continue to evolve rapidly."
Trudeau added, "I think this Canada Day, it will be a time of reflection on what we’ve achieved as a country, but on what more we have to do."
