Thompson marked Canada Day with a full schedule of events, from a pancake breakfast in the morning to a fireworks show at dusk.
Although many were happy to be able to mark the founding of Canada in the way that was customary prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which wiped out in-person celebrations for the past two years, attendees were also reminded that the country’s history is not uncomplicated.
Amid free cupcakes and performances ranging from Indigenous dancing to West African drumming and Indigenous Chilean music, politicians and others at the opening ceremonies noted Canada’s history of mistreating Indigenous Peoples over its 155 years of existence.
“Today we are acknowledging the dark history of Canada,” said a message from Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton, who was attending events in Flin Flon on July 1. “We can build a better Canada for a future rooted in reconciliation and justice.”
Daniel Emerson, who performed music during the day’s events as riel., said shortly after the opening ceremonies that he didn’t want to celebrate Canada Day, but Indigenous youth instead.
“Canada really tried to kill Indigenous culture,” said Emerson, prior to handing out letters, water bottles, stickers and other items to the children and youth in attendance at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena.
“We the people have decided that instead of celebrating Canada, we should celebrate you, our Indigenous youth, because you use your gifts for good,” said the letter Emerson passed out and read from the stage. “Never forget your talents that make you beautiful people.”
Making one of his first public appearances since being sworn in, Thompson MLA Eric Redhead also acknowledged Canada’s dark past when it comes to treatment of Indigenous people, though he said there was much to love about the country as well — “the diversity, the opportunity, the multiculturalism, everything that makes this country what it is today.”
That message was reiterated by Premier Heather Stefanson and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee in Canada Day statements emailed to media.
“Canada Day is also a time to celebrate our progress and resolve to make out country a better place for all those who have experienced injustice throughout our history, especially Indigenous Peoples, as we work to advance reconciliation together,” said Stefanson.
“Too many times, First Nations people are treated as second-class citizens on their very own lands,” said Settee’s message. “I am grateful that there is a growing conversation about the reality that Canada Day is experienced as a painful colonial holiday for many.”
