July 4, 2023 | Author: Victoria Wang | Editor: Ruonan Zhao | Photographer: Victoria Wang
Last weekend, the annual Canada Day Festival took place at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale, BC, showcasing an array of Indigenous talent. Drawing the attention of thousands of attendees from across the Lower Mainland, the event provided a platform for celebrating the richness of Indigenous culture. Featuring captivating performances ranging from spoken word poetry to songs to dances and more, the festival was able to provide a captivating and engaging experience for everyone.
A particular performance that stood out was singer-songwriter Kiera-Down Kolson dedicating her heartfelt music to the thousands of Indigenous women who go missing each year, those who are often ignored and forgotten. Through her powerful lyrics, she reminded the audience of the presence and resilience of the Indigenous people of Canada, that “[they] are here and [they] ain’t going nowhere”, promising “the world will hear [their story] now”.
In addition to performances, the event also featured an Indigenous market where stalls would sell souvenirs such as dreamcatchers, paddles, jewellery, and even Indigenous “Barbie” dolls. The doll emphasizes on the lack of Indigenous representation in the toy industry and mainstream media, serving as a reminder about the need for more inclusiveness and diversion.
“These dolls are made to represent the diversity of indigenous people such as Afro-Indigenous, 2-spirit, and disabled people.”
The Canada Day festival was able to introduce its attendees to a variety of Indigenous issues in an entertaining and educational manner in which both adults and younger children are able to empathize with. By providing this exposure, the festival was able to help destigmatize discussions surrounding Canada's darker history and the treatment of Indigenous peoples. Events such as this, where sensitive topics issues are openly addressed open doors for normalized conversations and fosters a greater understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
The way Canada's history is often perceived led to many wanting to bury and ignore the past. It is often considered too sensitive for younger audiences and is often excluded from curriculums. However, without proper exposure to these topics, people are unable to grasp the gravity and significance of the situation. The government of British Columbia has recently taken a significant step forward in addressing this issue by introducing a new graduation requirement for high school students. Students will need to earn a minimum of 4 credits from a specialized course focusing on First Peoples' cultures, literature, and more in order to graduate high school. This new amendment will take effect in the 2023/2024 school year.
By equipping the younger generation with knowledge and sensitivity, we as a society can collectively work towards a more inclusive and harmonious society. It is through education and exposure that we are able to learn from past mistakes and prevent them from occurring again.
Events such as the Canada Day festival help to create awareness and understanding of the struggles and experiences faced by Indigenous communities, shedding light on past and current issues that need rectification. While the horrible consequences of our country’s past still follow us and this in no way makes up for the tragedies committed, embracing such events, offering support, and fostering increased exposure to Indigenous perspectives and issues is a step towards a better, brighter future.
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