A commentary by a Victoria city councillor.
While many people have expressed support for the City of Victoria’s decision to cancel Canada Day programming, others have expressed disappointment. Some have commented that we cancelled Canada Day.
To be clear, city council has no ability to cancel a statutory holiday and we are encouraging individuals to celebrate and commemorate the day in whatever way they wish.
Others were upset that they would not be able to view the fireworks this year. Even without the cancellation, the fireworks would not have occurred due to COVID-19 restrictions.
I have been involved with Canada Day celebrations for the past 20 years and was the concept creator for the Living Flag. In 1999, I was president of the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA), because as a third-generation Chinese immigrant, I wanted to better understand the challenges faced by those coming to Canada with hopes of a better life and opportunities.
As a child, I rebelled against my culture due to the racism I encountered at school and I had always regretted not asking my grandparents what brought them to Canada and about their experiences.
Many will remember the ICA’s popular FolkFest, held from the end of June to early July, to coincide with Canada Day, and showcased dance, music and food from many ethnic communities in our region and emerging multi-cultural artists from across the country. Canada Day was important as many immigrants had their swearing-in ceremony on that day. For many of them, it was a wonderful and proud day to be able to call themselves a Canadian.
Due to the costs and risks of putting on the event, and with ICA deciding to focus its resources on the anti-racism and immigrant services part of its mandate, FolkFest ended in 2006.
Until the year 2000, ICA hosted the Canada Day event at the legislature and put on a great show and fireworks display. ICA helped the city mount the 2001 event and, after that, the event was put on by the city.
Many have come to expect the City of Victoria to put on and fund a Canada Day event. Even without pandemic restrictions, or the news of the residential school findings, the event is always at risk of being cancelled due to the struggles to ensure it remains free to attend. Fortunately, the city, Canadian Heritage and many generous funders have made it possible each year.
Through the years the city has developed a very close relationship with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, starting during Mayor Alan Lowe‘s tenure, and has continued ever since. We have appreciated their guidance, their knowledge and their friendship.
That relationship also helped the Canada Day committee recognize the complex and challenging relationship between those working towards Truth and Reconciliation and those wanting Canada Day celebrations.
When the Chiefs and I spoke many years ago, we agreed that the Canada Day stage performances would always begin with an Indigenous welcome and dances from one of the Nations.
We have done this for many years. Last year, due to COVID, we did not hold an in-person event, but instead had an hour-long show available to stream and be on television. The Lekwungen Traditional Dancers performed on the broadcast alongside a group of talented and diverse local musicians. We intended to do the same this year.
Recently, the discovery of children’s bodies at the Kamloops residential school was announced. We were all shocked and saddened upon hearing this tragic and horrible news.
Out of respect for the many families who had children who had gone missing or died at residential schools, our Indigenous friends informed us that this year they would not be dancing on Canada Day.
Upon further reflection it was decided that out of respect for the Nations, the city’s Canada Day program would be cancelled, and we would work toward another television broadcast later this summer.
So, this year, I will be celebrating and commemorating Canada Day by wearing red and white and recognizing the struggles and sacrifices that my Chinese ancestors endured to give me a better life, the opportunity to vote and ultimately the ability to serve my community by running for council.
However, I will also be taking time to reflect on the hardships of my Indigenous great-grandmother and her family and the important work that still needs to be done in recognizing the history of all those who have the privilege of calling Canada home.
