Thousands of Calgarians gather for restriction-free Canada Day festivities with focus on reconciliation
Friday marked the first Canada Day in two years without any public health restrictions, which meant Calgarians were finally able to gather at several in-person events across the city.
Local artists performed at Olympic Plaza and St. Patrick’s Island, while others took part in a special Canadian cultural mosaic event at Heritage Park.
From live music at Studio Bell to Canada Day-themed outdoor markets in Eau Claire and on 17th Avenue, the day had something for everyone.
Fort Calgary in particular welcomed thousands of people to attend a special Indigenous showcase that featured walking tours and a special Powwow.
INDIGENOUS SHOWCASE
Lowell Yellowhorn of the Piikani Nation was the arena director for the event and was overwhelmed by the support from Calgarians who took time to reflect on the tragedies of Canada’s residential school system.
“This is about building awareness, about the long standing impacts that residential schools have had on indigenous communities,” he said
Lowell Yellowhorn of the Piikani Nation was the arena director for the event and was overwhelmed by the support from Calgarians who took time to reflect on the tragedies of Canada’s residential school system.
Yellowhorn attended Lebret Residential School back in 1996, which was one of the last institutions of its kind in Canada at the time.
“Those impacts are still visible today and our communities are currently in the process of healing so we need to promote reconciliation as a culture. It’s an important aspect for us to recognize as a country, taking those opportunities to educate about those impacts that have been inflicted on our people.”
The event at Fort Calgary gave everyone the chance to learn more about Indigenous culture including young children.
Vivianne Mansour took her two young kids to learn more about the history of those who first settled on Canadian soil.
“The kids love to learn and it's important for all of us to learn, especially in light of the residential school traumas,” she said.
RAISING PEOPLE'S VOICES
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek re-iterated that message when she spoke at the inaugural BownessFest event in the northwest Calgary community.
“I think it's really important also to reflect that there are many stories of Canada that are untold and it is about raising people's voices to make sure the narrative of our country, as complex as it is, is heard,” said Gondek.
“Indigenous peoples have been silenced in this country for too long. We must let their culture, their language, and their stories rise up because that's the only way we really take reconciliation seriously.”
Events throughout the day were dedicated to education, but also for adults and children to celebrate and have fun together.
People like Ryan Swaby were thrilled to enjoy Canada Day events with his family under no COVID-19 restrictions.
“It’s so great to be out here with family and the community enjoying the nice weather and the people and not being stuck in the house,” he said.
Stephanie Mayson couldn’t agree more. She took her kids to get face paint, Canada Day treats, and danced along to live music.
“This is awesome this year with no restrictions because everyone's socializing and having a blast again,” she said.
“We’re here celebrating the land, celebrating the different cultures experiencing everything down here today, it’s just great with family and friends to be here.”
Canada Day festivities wrap up with a full line-up of performances on the main stage at Fort Calgary, including rock band Sloan which will headline the event at 9:45 p.m.
A special fireworks display is scheduled for 11 p.m.outside city hall, which will feature a moment of silence and an Indigenous Elder blessing to honour the victims of residential schools.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.