Three municipalities in Greater Saint John have joined a growing list of municipalities that have cancelled Canada Day celebrations for this year.
On Thursday, the City of Saint John said it was cancelling this year’s plans following the announcement that a gravesite containing 751 victims was found at a former residential school site in Saskatchewan.
“The City of Saint John is devastated by the recent news of the discovery of 751 unmarked graves at a former residential school,” reads a release issued just before 5 p.m. Thursday. “As a community, we continue to mourn with the Indigenous communities and our country.”
Mayor Donna Reardon said on Twitter the decision was made to allow for “a time of solemn reflection.”
“Cowessess First Nation discovers 751 unmarked graves at former residential school site.” Out of respect for this tragic discovery @cityofsaintjohn will cancel Canada Day Celebrations to allow for a time of solemn reflection.
— Donna Reardon (@DonnaReardonsj) June 24, 2021
Flags at all municipal facilities will also be lowered to half-mast Friday.
The release states that Saint John will join other Canadian communities, including Fredericton and Cap-Pelé, choosing to “pause in solidarity this Canada Day.”
The Town of Rothesay also announced Thursday that it would be cancelling all Canada Day celebrations this year.
“With sad acknowledgement of the discovery of 751 buried children at a former residential school in Saskatchewan, this year Rothesay encourages residents to take a moment of silence on Canada Day to honour their memory and the memory of all Indigenous children who lost their lives in Residential Schools,” the town said in a statement.
“This Canada Day, join communities and Canadians across the country by taking the opportunity to reflect. Reflect on how we as a community can work together towards reconciliation with our indigenous communities here in New Brunswick and across Canada.”
The Town of Quispamsis made a similar announcement Friday morning, saying it is heartbroken over the discovery.
“We ask our residents to take a moment on Thursday in memory of the thousands of children who were sent to residential schools, and those who never returned,” said the statement.
“Please reflect in honour of the hundreds of children whose remains have been recently discovered and their families whose lives were forever changed.”
Grand Bay-Westfield also announced Friday afternoon that it is reviewing planned Canada Day activities.
The musical act and BBQ at the Brundage Point River Centre have been cancelled and the Scavenger Hunt has been postponed.
“The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield is consulting with community Indigenous leaders to provide a thoughtful and meaningful response on Canada Day to the recent discoveries in British Columbia and Saskatchewan,” the town said in a statement, adding that it will have more announcements in the coming days.
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. The toll-free line can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-925-4419.
