Wilmot's Canada Day committee cancels July 1st celebrations

The Canada Day in Wilmot committee has cancelled its planned in-person and online July 1 celebrations in a move to support reconciliation with Indigenous people.

"Canadians must do more than just talk about reconciliation; we must learn how to practice reconciliation in our everyday lives — within ourselves and our families, and in our communities, events, governments, places of worship, schools and workplaces. And most importantly for all of our children and future generations," a statement on the event's website said.

Angie Hallman, a Wilmot councillor and chair of the Canada Day in Wilmot committee, says it's been a journey for the committee to come to the decision.

"Through the calls for truth and reconciliation, there's so much room for continued growth and understanding and learning and unlearning," she told CBC.

'Complicated' decision

The discovery of the remains of 215 children at the site of a former residential school in B.C. "leaves us with such heavy hearts to process what this means for them."

"This decision, it's a complicated one because it's leaving many Canadians feeling this sense of discomfort in their hearts and their souls. And we should have that discomfort arriving to this moment of: 'Is it really time to celebrate Canada Day?'" she said.

Hallman says the decision was made after consulting with members of the Indigenous community in Wilmot township.

Victoria, B.C., has also cancelled Canada Day celebrations this year. Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said they would "explore new possibilities."

The Wilmot committee says children can help create a "public art experience" by decorating a wooden leaf with "what they feel, what they see, and what their hopes and dreams are for this shared land we call Turtle Island and Canada."

Bins will be placed outside the Wilmot Rec Complex where people can pick up or drop off their wooden leaves, and they will be put on display in New Hamburg at the arena on Jacob Street.