As Canada gets ready for one of the biggest parties in its history, it’s nice to see the West Shore celebrating those who occupied this vast land long before the British North America Act was ever conceived.
Today (June 21) is National Aboriginal Day and unfortunately, it will be a day that doesn’t register on the majority of residents’ calendars.
First proclaimed back in 1996, it is meant to be a day the celebrates and recognizes the cultures and contributions made by all First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples of Canada.
Unfortunately, we’re still a long way from seeing this day become a statutory holiday for all but some West Shore groups are working hard to make sure the day receives the celebration it deserves.
West Shore Parks and Recreation is hosting its third Aboriginal Day Festival today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. That event will feature traditional singing, drumming and dancing, children’s activities and food. Like Canada Day, it’s a great opportunity for West Shore residents of all ethnicities and backgrounds to come together in celebration.
Meanwhile, Metchosin and Beecher Bay are having their own celebration this evening, continuing the recent friendship that’s been struck between the neighbouring communities.
It’s a credit to both councils, and particularly Mayor John Ranns and Chief Russ Chipps, for the work that’s been done to repair a once rocky relationship. Those efforts showed in spades in January in the weeks leading up to Metchosin’s referendum on a landswap deal that also involved the City of Langford.
Songhees Nation and Colwood have also solidified their own relationship ahead of a potential ownership transfer of the Royal Roads property.
Canada has done a lot of good since its foundation 150 years ago. But, despite some progress, there’s no larger black mark on our history than how this country has treated our aboriginal peoples. Together, let’s make sure that doesn’t remain the case during the next 150 years.
So when you’re celebrating today, take note of the stories that are being shared, because the small steps being taken on the West Shore can be used as an example of what can be done when communities work in harmony, rather than in opposition.