Canada has been celebrated worldwide as a welcoming country that embraces a wide array of cultures. The nation boasts a vibrant cultural tapestry, with each Canadian contributing unique and important cultural experiences.
However, this cultural fabric is not without its darker threads.
The recently discovered unmarked graves at former Residential Schools in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia have cast a shadow over this year's celebrations.
How can we celebrate in the face of such overwhelming sorrow and loss?
These discoveries are tragic and shocking— There is a need to pause as the nation discusses how to move forward and truly embrace Reconciliation.
Our country is in the midst of a challenging conversation unpacking its colonial history, especially in regards to Residential Schools.
The debates surrounding Canada Day can be a nuanced analysis that resists falling into the pitfalls of black and white thinking— Instead embrace the practice of compromise, compassion and other acts required for true Reconciliation.
On Canada Day we can take time to reflect on what makes us proud to be Canadian, while acknowledging the darker sides of Canadian History.
Outright cancelling Canda Day is not an option, but neither is ignoring the woes of thousands who suffered abuse and death at Residential Schools.
Cancelling the national holiday would be the easy way out— The real work lies in learning from these losses and actively working to do better.
Taking time to reflect on these blemishes is not about cancelling and forsaking national pride, but instead an act of unity and Reconciliation.
It is about creating space for mourning the children who have been lost to Residential Schools and respecting the long-term impact these schools had in creating inter-generational trauma.
Having a more muted celebration does not indicate our country is beyond redemption or will never celebrate again— It is an act of Reconciliation and acknowledgment that we see the truth of our nation's complicated history.
On Canada Day wear orange as a sign of solidarity with Indigenous people, light candles for the children lost to Residential Schools instead of lighting fireworks and show friends, families and neighbours it is possible to live and embody the actions of Reconciliation.
We can shift our focus this Canada Day and make room to mourn those who have been affected by the recently unearthed graves and sow the seeds of Reconciliation.
We have a chance to participate in a seismic cultural change in Cochrane and use Canada Day to push for active Reconciliation.
Reconciliation does not just take place over one day— It is an act we can incorporate into our daily lives.
We can use Canada Day as a catalyst to explore and educate ourselves on Reconciliation and what was once the secret history of Canada.
