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Organizers of the annual Canada Day celebrations in Fredericton are pressing pause this year.
It comes following recent discoveries of unmarked graves at several former Indigenous schools across the country.
“We have been looking at everything from fireworks to a virtual concert. But in the end, due to a number of factors, including the pandemic, we have decided against proceeding with any events this year,” Paul Wentzell, co-chair of the Fredericton Canada Day Committee, said in a statement.
“Given the situation regarding our Indigenous communities, a quiet day of reflection may be the best way for our community to spend the holiday.”
The most recent discovery was announced Wednesday after 751 unmarked graves were discovered at the former Marieval school in Saskatchewan.
Fredericton’s Canada Day committee encourages everyone to consider how they can work toward reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Members also suggest visiting the Wolastoqey Nations’ newly-launched website to learn more about Indigenous issues.
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. The toll-free line can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-925-4419.
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