Message from the Mayor
Canada Day has always been a day to reflect upon what it means to be Canadian. In recent times this day has become synonymous with celebration as we do have a lot to be proud of as a nation. However, Canada Day 2021 must take a different tone as we pause and confront the horrific events of Canada's Residential School System that have come to light in recent weeks. These events are not isolated, and more tragedies will be uncovered during the process to document the harm inflicted on Indigenous Peoples by Residential Schools.
Confronting these events and knowing the truth is our duty as a nation. In doing so we stay true to ourselves as a people of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms - something I would encourage everyone to read again today.
South Huron's decision to cancel this year's municipal-led online celebration is meant to foster discussions about what it means to be Canadian, putting reflection ahead of celebrations this year. Canada Day is an opportunity to renew and refresh ourselves as Canadians by standing with our Indigenous Community so we can all move forward in healing and reconciliation.
South Huron has provided resources on our Canada Day page and I invite everyone to use them.
- Mayor George Finch
Resources
The Municipality encourages residents to learn more about all aspects of our country’s history and its relationship with Indigenous Communities. We have gathered a number of resources to help the community learn about our history and relationships with our Indigenous Communities to further reconciliation within our nation and community:
- Learn more about the Treaties in Huron County
- Take the Indigenous Canada Online Course from the University of Alberta
- Learn more by viewing the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website
- Visit Canadian Geographic’s Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada website
- Learn more about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Contact(s)