At Last the Summer Solstice
Well, Happy Summer Solstice. It seems summer has really arrived.
We are entering the festival season it seems. Aboriginal Day, June 21; St. Jean Babtiste Day, June 24, Multi-Cultural Festival, June 30, and Canada Day, July 1. These events speak to significant groups within Canada: First Nations people, French Canadians, Ethnic and Cultural groups, and on Canada Day, all Canadians.
Today is Aboriginal Day. June 21. First Nations people will be marking the occasion with family and community activities. Those of us who live close by First Nations Communities will be well aware of this and even joy in the activities. In Canada's Constitution the First Nations are recognized these include the Amerindians, (I live in the traditional territory of the Anishanaabek , {the Ojibwe,} if you prefer) the Inuit, and the Métis. I am particularly thinking of the Métis this year. Until they were recognized in the Constitution they were often overlooked at First Nations people and many out of shame or ignorance has let their heritage disappear. With a new sense of identity and respect for their heritage, many have rediscovered their roots once again identified themselves as Métis and demanded their rights.
A Métis Sash or Ceinture fléchée
Banner of St Jean Babtiste One of our local church is L'Église de Sacre Cour (note the sacred heart at the center of the banner.
June 24 is St. Jean Babtiste Day. In Québec is recognized at Le Fête Nationale du Québec, a nationalist holiday. Our local Franco-Ontarien community has begun to celebrate it more as a wider French Canadian celebration after the years of it being politicized by the separatists in Quebec. The French Canadians in Ontario have a long history of struggling to win a stronger presence within Canada and never sided with the Québecois and their nationalist dream of an independent Nation.
Ironically, it was at a Jean Babtiste celebration in 1880 that "O Canada" was first heard. It was to become Canada's National Anthem.
In Nova Scotia there is a Multi-cultural Festival beginning next week. Across Canada, such festivals are observed at many times throughout the year. In the major urban areas where there are such large ethic and cultural groups there are many rich festivals throughout the summer. This weekend the International Indian Film Awards is taking over the city. With Canada's large South Asian Community Bollywood films are very popular. That is happening in Canada is a recognition of the significance of the Indian Community in Canada.
The following week the colourful and very large Gay Pride Parade will take center stage. And so it goes throughout the summer from one ethic or cultural group to another.
A playful Canada Day banner. Even our pups can come out to celebrate.
(click on photo to enlarge)
Here is a previous Canada Day Celebration in Ottawa in front of the Parliament Buildings. This year, for the first time, I will be with the throngs in Ottawa. Lynne and I will be taking in the festivities and well as trying to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge (William and Kate) who will be in attendance as part of their visit to Canada.
posted by Tossing Pebbles in the Stream @ 9:45 a.m.
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7 Comments:
I noticed you've been gone from Facebook for a couple of weeks. I did miss you!!
I hope you and Lynne have a wonderful time in Ottawa, I'm sure you will. I would love to set eyes upon the young royals.
Recently read in the paper that the Govgen (whoever that is now) is opening up Rideau Hall for the masses to meet the royals. It should be crazy but fun when you're in town.
I hope you have a wonderful Canada Day and I hope you and Lynn catch that royal glimpse, too. I'll bet the crowd will be HUGE!
Wow, what a progress ! Now there is even a Aboriginal Day ! Poor people had to fight quiet long for their rights. I love their artcraft !
Istanbul is definitevly a city worthwhile to visit ! I have never seen such a town with so many cultures,artworks and cosmopolitan ! Even 10 days were not enough. I think we will go back there one day !
Ottawa is my second favorite city - I hve only 2 anyway, Istanbul being first. Ottawa was the cleanest city I have ever been to - and the politest people. It was the beginning of my love affair with Canada.
Enjoy your visit! I know you will.
A busy time for you Canadians ... our time comes next with the Royal couple.
Thanks for all the history info.
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