Barrie residents could expect more Canada Day changes in the coming years

Plans to change the tone and scope of Canada Day in Barrie continue.

City councillors will consider a motion Monday night that Access Barrie staff be directed to engage, on an annual basis, with partners such as Beausoleil First Nation, Rama First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and other local First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and organizations to explore and implement July 1 activities. This would include local oral histories and cultural celebrations, the history of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, Millennial Scoop and any other educational elements recommended.

Also, legislative and court services department staff would be directed to provide a report on the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC's) Calls to Action that fall under municipal responsibility, namely Nos. 43, 47, and 57, and report back to Barrie councillors by the end of 2021. Staff would also consult with local Indigenous Nations, peoples and organizations on the implementation of those Calls to Action.

“It’s so important that we don’t rest in our efforts to address the legacy and ongoing impacts of colonialism in this country,” said Coun. Keenan Aylwin, who is sponsoring the motion along with Coun. Natalie Harris. “We all have a responsibility to work for justice for Indigenous peoples.

“The day of reflection and education that the city held on July 1 this year was a small but important step in getting to the truth of Truth and Reconciliation,” he added. “We should have July 1 activities and celebrations that provide the proper context around the violence of colonialism on this land so that we can all learn the truth. 

“It’s critical that we work with Indigenous peoples in this work,” the Ward 2 councillor said.

Call to Action No. 43 says: "We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation."

Call to Action No. 47 says: "We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to repudiate concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, such as the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, and to reform those laws, government policies, and litigation strategies that continue to rely on such concepts."

Terra nullius is Latin for land that is legally deemed to be unoccupied or uninhabited, or belonging to no one.

Call to Action No. 57 says: "We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism."

“The City of Barrie has a responsibility to implement the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report that fall under municipal jurisdiction, namely Calls to Action Nos. 43, 47, and 57,” Aylwin said. “I’m hopeful that we can begin this important work in relationship with local Indigenous people, organizations and nations.

“The final report of the TRC was published in 2015,” he added. “It’s long past time that we should take this step.”

The city shifted its Canada Day activities this year to be more reflective of a shared history, focusing on reflection, reconciliation and education.

Lights at Meridian Place and the Five Points Theatre remained orange on July 1 in support of residential school survivors, their families and Indigenous communities across Canada.

A sacred fire was held at the Spirit Catcher, and there was a community message from Elder Jeff Monague and Mayor Jeff Lehman, with a moment of silence at 10:30 a.m.

The city's Canada Day web page provided extensive resources celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

It also included a link to the Barrie Public Library virtual hub containing resources and programming, such as reading recommendations for adults and children, book chats, family activities and story time, National Film Board short screenings, mental health and wellness resources. 

Virtual programming for Canada Day included videos that were recorded to showcase Indigenous heritage and culture for National Indigenous People’s Day.

No fireworks or live entertainment were planned to mark Canada Day this year, due to the pandemic’s gathering restrictions.