Canada Day is very different this year compared to previous years.
The Postville Inuit Community Government would like to inform the residents of Postville that due to the shortage of staff, and out of respect for the recent discoveries of hundreds of unmarked graves in the grounds of former residential schools, there will be no Canada Day celebrations taking place this year.
They would like to encourage residents to use this day to reflect and mourn these tragic events.
Given the recent news events regarding the residential school’s gravesites in western Canada, and given the fact they do not have a recreation department, the community of Makkovik will celebrate Canada Day this year by reflecting on the events from our west in each and everyone’s own way without parades or festival atmosphere.
The Makkovik ICG will still keep the flag at full staff to remind us all that we are a part of this great country.
AngajukKâk Barry Andersen says, “every country has a history, some with atrocities, wars and violence of all types. Those of us who do not learn from this history are doomed to repeat it, thus the more somber mood this year on this holiday.”
As for the communities of Nain, Hopedale, and Rigolet, Canada Day is cancelled in respect for the recent discoveries of hundreds of unmarked graves of former residential schools.