Canada Day 2023: Acknowledging our Past, Embracing a Better Future

In recent years, many people have changed the way in which they acknowledge Canada Day. Following the shock of the discovery of thousands of unmarked graves of Indigenous children at residential schools cross Canada, many allies came together to honour Indigenous communities and to raise awareness of the historical and ongoing harms to Indigenous people in Canada. Some communities are shifting to traditional celebrations of Canada, while others have opted to acknowledge Canada Day as a day for mourning and solidarity with Indigenous people.

As we work towards Reconciliation and understanding what Canada has truly been, and what it is now, we are also optimistic and energized by people who choose Canada as their home and fall in love with the positive aspects that Canada encompasses. Watching our members become Canadian citizens has offered us a glimpse into the hope that they hold for a better future.

Obtaining citizenship is a meaningful and impactful decision. We would like to share The Newcomer Handbook, which is an introduction to Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It is not possible for a single document to offer a complete history and cultural background of Indigenous Peoples; however it does offer some valuable information and an introduction to the cultural diversity and ongoing colonization of Indigenous people in Saskatchewan.

The SEIU-West Multicultural Mentorship Committee has been offering a gift to SEIU-West members who receive their Canadian citizenship in 2023. If you are a member and would like to request your gift from the MMC, you can email [email protected] and include your name, your workplace, your contact information and a photo of you at your Citizenship Ceremony.

We would like to share a few photos of our members who have become Canadian citizens this year, along with the gift they have received from the MMC.

However you choose to acknowledge Canada Day, we hope you get to take some time to spend with your loved ones.