Durham Chairman scraps plans for virtual Canada Day program, calls for reflection on relationships with First Nations

Plans for all eight municipalities in Durham Region to participate in a virtual Canada Day program have been cancelled.

Instead, the Region of Durham is asking residents to “reflect on our relationships—both past and present—with Indigenous communities, and to move forward with reconciliation in our hearts, minds and actions.” 

Durham Chairman John Henry said the recent discovery of unidentified graves at the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan prompted Council to cancel plans to ‘celebrate’ Canada Day.

“We have always prided ourselves on being one of the best countries in the world because we are open, honest, and welcoming. We need to uphold that reputation this Canada Day, and take this time to be open and honest with ourselves, and our historic and present-day relationship with the First Peoples of this land,” he said in a statement.

Residents who ordered a Canada Day breakfast kit are encouraged to reach out to their local area municipality for details.

The now-scrapped virtual Canada Day event – called The Durham Way –  highlighted unique attractions in Durham and offered kids activities and music etc. through the various municipal portals.

Photo: Justin Tang, Canadian Press