FILE PHOTO - A large crowd gathered at Gyro Park on Canada Day.
(SHANNON QUESNEL / iNFOnews.ca)
June 18, 2021 - 4:30 PM
Penticton's mayor has announced the city will not be moving forward with Canada Day celebrations, as Indigenous communities across Canada mourn those who have died in residential schools.
“Out of respect for Indigenous communities across Canada who are grieving, it is important to Penticton city council that this year’s Canada Day activities honour the history, culture and traditions of Indigenous people," said Mayor John Vassilaki, in a statement, June 18.
"Given time constraints and ongoing gathering restrictions that protect us during the pandemic, the city is not able to offer Canada Day activities that we consider appropriate. We encourage you to spend the day with your family and take time to reflect on Canada’s history and consider what we can each do to work towards an inclusive community,” he said.
READ MORE: Canada Day celebration cancelled in Kelowna for second year
Victoria decided to cancel its Canada Day celebrations following the discovery of 215 children who were buried at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site.
Kelowna has also cancelled Canada Day celebrations, saying with uncertainty around pandemic restrictions, there isn't enough time to plan the event.
The Okanagan Nation Alliance has also been receiving requests from people who want to buy a Syilx flag to fly on Canada Day in lieu of flying the Canada flag.
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