In 2020 I learned about Canada’s Indian Act — which, when passed in 1876, carried the express intent of structurally eradicating Indigenous ways of life — and I haven’t really “celebrated” Canada Day since. I’ve turned it into an opportunity to do some reading, watch a documentary, listen to history podcasts, and give myself more context for my home country. This year though, I went to Mission’s celebration at Fraser River Heritage Park, with one question — what does it mean to be Canadian?Â
The celebrations started with a pancake breakfast put on by the Rotary Club. I got there with some family as it was starting. Paying $6 each and donating the change back to Rotary, we sat down to eat with an idyllic view. From Heritage Park you can see the Fraser River, into Abbotsford, and all the mountains beyond.Â
In this moment, to be Canadian was to wonder at the landscape in front of me.Â
We arrived early, so the activities and community organizations were still setting up. My aunt and I stared at bench plaques and the signs that previously held history write-ups, all holding placeholders, telling me that the history being told was being revised.Â
At 10 a.m., a brass band played as we wandered through some tents talking to community members like those that run Mission’s literacy bus Words on Wheels (WoW), Mission Community Archive, and the Child Care Resource and Referral Centre. We passed by a kids’ zone with a foam pit, face painting, balloons, and free caricatures.Â
In these moments, to be Canadian was to see how my community took care of, and found joy in each other.Â
It was a sunny day, so we found the food trucks and got a large lemonade to share before heading to the ceremony area, which was emceed by Mission Mayor, Paul Horn, and featured an array of speeches. Two MLAs, Lawrence Mok and Reann Gasper, both shared their experiences about coming to Canada and finding hospitality, opportunity, and a country that inspired them to pursue service to the public.Â
The speeches that made the deepest impression on me were from Sq’éwlets First Nation Chief Joseph Chapman and Leq’á:mel First Nation Chief Stacey Goulding.Â
Chapman spoke about how the very ground we were celebrating on had been the site of a residential school. He urged us to stick together, and create strong relationships as we continue to move forward as a nation.Â
“Because whether we like it or not, we’re all in this together.”Â
Goulding challenged the audience to see a Canada that lives up to its promises.Â
“A Canada that understands its greatness must include Indigenous voices, Indigenous rights, and Indigenous truths. Let today be more than a celebration. Let it be a commitment to justice, to healing into a better tomorrow for all peoples who share this land,”
As they spoke, to be Canadian was to listen.
After the ceremony, the West Coast Lumberjack Show performed and in another part of the park a dog show took place, and I watched as kids enjoyed the zipline and archery tag. For lunch we made our way to the firefighters association where we got hot dogs before exploring more community tents.Â
Throughout the day, I asked community members what it meant for them to be Canadian. There were similar answers, with a number of them half-joking about how they were thankful not to be American. From Canadian-born and new citizens alike, there was a resounding gratitude for being here. Themes of community, taking care of each other, and a warm welcome arose. Also highlighted was an ability to have a conversation with anyone no matter their background, and the knowledge that we are stronger when we stick together.
We left before the end of the celebrations, it was hot and it had been a long day. When the coolness of the evening came, I went to the porch to review my notes. In the most standard of suburbs I heard fireworks and cheers from my neighbours in the nearby park. And I listened. What appeared in front of me was the picture of a country that now listens to both newcomers and the Indigenous community. A country that learns from our differences. A country where an individual lifts up the community and the community lifts up the individual. A country that knows it has a long way to go, but knows that we must go there together.
This year, to be Canadian was to wonder, to be Canadian was to be in community, to be Canadian was to listen.
