Observing Canada Day During a Time of Mourning

We acknowledge that a holiday celebration may be an essential activity for our collective mental wellness after the past year. This Canada Day, Indigenous Tourism BC encourages safe gatherings and invites you to reflect on Indigenous peoples’ lived reality and grief in present-day Canada.

This Canada Day, let us acknowledge the collective trauma and grief of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people as we come to terms with Canada’s living history. Observe the holiday, and use this day as a time of reflection on the Canada that is responsible for the deaths of Indigenous children at residential schools across the nation: Indigenous communities and many Canadians are in mourning.

Let us take an honest look at current Canadian reality by educating ourselves, courageously continue to witness its hard truths, and accept responsibility to learn and change. Let us hold each other up and begin the process of imagining a better Canada–one that honours, uplifts, and works with Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.

This Canada Day, we stand beside Indigenous families and communities in mourning and see an opportunity to create a Canada that all can celebrate.

If you, or someone you know needs support, you can contact the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.