Northerners are sharing mixed opinions on confederation as Canada Day marks 158 years as a country.
NNSL Media reached out to communities around the NWT to hear their thoughts on Canada Day and the nation in general.
"ISA国际影视传媒檝e always loved Canada Day and have fond memories of celebrating it as a child," said Charlsey Kuzmin, of Hay River. "Now that I have a daughter of my own, I love creating traditions together of attending the parade and town barbecue with friends."
Others had less-than stellar thoughts on the holiday, noting the long dark history of colonialism makes it difficult for some to celebrate the signing of the British North America Act by Queen Victoria in 1867.
The aftermath of the signing of that document, including but not limited to the residential school system, has left a permanent smear on the day for some.
"Indigenous people welcomed the priests and British and Europeans settlers to share our culture in Turtle Island," said Tuktoyaktuk's Calvin Pokiak. "Now these aliens have claimed what rightfully belong to the first inhabitants, the Indigenous people.
"They stole our land and its renewable and non-renewable resources. Today, we still live worse than a Third-World country. When immigrants arrive in Canada, their lives are far better than most Indigenous people in a country called Canada. My opinion."
Others took their skepticism even further.
One respondent argued that the entire concept of a nation or country was merely a money-making scheme.
"[It's a] corporate holiday for the economic region known as Canada SA国际影视传媒� donSA国际影视传媒檛 you feel proud to be a non-distinct economic unit?" asked Loyal Letcher. "Who needs ethnic identity or social cohesion when GDP goes up?"
One resident said for many in the North, the real celebration was in June with National Indigenous People's Day.
"Canada Day is like any other birthday," said Tuktoyaktuk's Taylor Pokiak.
While agreeing Canada Day should not ignore the atrocities of the past, Kuzmin also noted the day should show a way forward for all residents of Turtle Island.
"I know that the day is marred with controversy and CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 history is not without fault and sorrow, but itSA国际影视传媒檚 an opportunity to have conversations surrounding those issues and change the narrative for the future," said Kuzmin. "I like to think that we can celebrate this amazing country while still acknowledging the grave mistakes of the past.
"For me, the bottom line is if we have an opportunity to celebrate and spread joy and pride, we should take it."
Celebrations across the North
Communities across the NWT are celebrating Canada in their own unique ways.
Officials with the Town of Inuvik are putting out the call for musicians to serenade folks during the day's festivities, which will follow the annual parade down Mackenzie Street.
Across the river, Aklavik planned to get started early SA国际影视传媒� kicking off activities with a massive bingo and late-night biathlon on June 27. Games were scheduled throughout the weekend before a series of parades on Canada Day proper and wrapping up festivities with a fishing derby.
Fort Liard is celebrating the day with a splash. The community pool is set to open for the summer on July 1.
Norman Wells is kicking Canada Day off with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade to Rick Muyres Park. Activities will range from tea and bannock-making to a bouncy castle, followed by a "feeding the water" ceremony at the boat launch. A free public swim will wrap up the day's events.
In Hay River, a long-awaited time capsule opening is planned in addition to the annual parade.
In Fort Simpson, plans are underway for a Canada Day parade. Residents are invited to decorate their vehicles for the parade and meet at the Nahanni Inn at 11 a.m. for staging.
