NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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In continued efforts toward reconciliation, and in solidarity and consultation with local members of the Indigenous community, the city’s 2021 Canada Day activities are being themed around our shared history and will focus on education, reconciliation and reflection.
The city encourages residents to use Canada Day as an opportunity to learn about the histories and cultures of the Indigenous peoples of this region.
As part of its recognition for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the city prepared virtual programming that celebrated the heritage, diverse cultures and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and collected community partner resources for continued learning.
Resources related to National Indigenous Peoples Day can be accessed at barrie.ca/NIPD.
The city will also recognize Canada Day through the following opportunities:
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Community message from Elder Jeff Monague and Mayor Jeff Lehman with a moment of silence at 10:30 a.m.;
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The lights at Meridian Place and the Five Points Theatre will remain orange on July 1 in support of residential school survivors, their families and Indigenous communities across Canada;
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In partnership with Red Quills, a sacred fire at the Spirit Catcher is being planned for July 1, subject to health restrictions. Anyone visiting the sacred fire will be required to wear a mask, maintain a distance of at least two metres from others, and follow all other safety requirements. All are welcome.
More details and links to resources for continued learning are available at barrie.ca/CanadaDay.
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