That tongue twister of a sesquicentennial anniversary — Canada’s 150th — is days away so now’s the time to decide where you’ll be this Saturday, July 1.
From the northern tip of Fawcett down to Pickardville and various points in between, there will be plenty going on.
If you like parades, there’s something for you. If you like strongmen and women lifting heavy objects, there’s something for you too.
And if you like history and food, the options are virtually endless — see Pages 12-16 of this week’s Westlock News for stories on the events slated for Saturday.
Speaking of history, Canada is relatively young in comparison to most nations.
And with youth comes growing pains and yes, a few mistakes.
For some of you folks who were around 50 years back when our nation turned the modest age of 100, we were in the midst of one those mistakes — the ‘60s Scoop.
We won’t be glossing over history here so we have to mention residential schools, eugenics, internment camps and what some have labelled cultural genocide.
Canada’s track record of ignoring First Nations and indigenous people, failing to recognize their nation and while forcing them to recognize ours have lead to a few groups boycotting Canada 150.
With this year marking such a milestone for Canada, it would be an opportune time to view this moment as a turning point in our history.
Of course that black stain won’t erase the positives — the suffragette movement, advances in medicine and our reputation for peacekeeping worldwide.
But the path of healing is a rough one and for us as Canadians, there is still so much that needs to be done.
We have a long road ahead of us.
It’s important that we learn from our past so that when we celebrate our country this year, next year and for the next 150 years, we are celebrating a nation we can be proud of.
As we move forward into the future, let’s do so with understanding, compassion and wisdom.
