Some Saskatchewan communities are going ahead with Canada Day celebrations, while others have chosen to postpone or shift their celebrations.
Regina cancelled its Canada Day festivities back on May 14 due to COVID-19. However, this was before the discovery of unmarked graves at residential school sites, which has motivated some Canadians to spend the day in other ways.
For Regina Mayor Sandra Masters, she said she still plans to have a low-key day. She encourages residents to be more inclusive adding it’s an opportunity for people to reflect on who they want to be going forward.
“I think what people need to know is that reflection needs to happen well beyond a single day,” suggested Masters. “Just pause and live our values that we think of ourselves when it comes to being Canadian. How can we all move forward and live those values of being open, accepting, nice and compassionate.”
When asked if Canada Day celebrations would have been cancelled in the Queen City had it not already been due to the pandemic, Masters said it would have been an opportunity to plan a more inclusive celebration.
“We could have had celebrations about inclusiveness and those differences. At the same time, given the recent news of finding unmarked graves, we could have also honoured that and shared in some of that remembrance and reflection together,” Masters discussed.
The mayor added that she will be spending part of July 1 at the Buffalo Day event at Buffalo Meadows Park on Dewdney Avenue.
The city will also have Canada flags up on the Albert Street Bridge next to Treaty Four and Métis flags.
