Despite a forecasted chance of rain, the sun was shining as people returned to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park to celebrate Canada Day together once again.
The annual event, which had been on hiatus for the last two years due to COVID-19, came back bigger and better than ever.
People filled every corner of Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park to take in the day's entertainment, visit the food trucks, walk through the market stalls, or let their kids play on the bouncy castles.
The festivities began with an opening by the UNHBC drummers who performed at the Kiwanis Bowl but also invited children and families to participate in the drumming and singing by placing large drums in front of the stage so that others could join in.
After a performance by singer Ivan Paquette the official opening ceremonies began with a welcoming and prayer by Lheidli T’enneh Elder Darlene McIntosh.
“Our First Nations people are inclusive and welcoming, and our diverse community are inclusive and welcoming. Trusting that collaboration of building trusting relationships are made, Creator hear our prayers,” said Elder McIntosh.
“As the sun rises bringing new beginnings let us witnesses to all that can be and let the healing begin both with the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of the world.”
Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan then provided a welcoming to the traditional territory from their members, administration and council.
“Just a few days ago, like 10 days ago, we celebrated Indigenous Day and we made it about our communities. We made it about everyone, like today we are here to celebrate Canadians – I call it multicultural day,” said Logan.
“When I think about what is going on in the world, we are blessed to be born here and we are blessed to be here. To those who are new to the community, I welcome you and we need to live together, work together, and play together. We are one country and one community.”
MLA Shirley Bond said she was grateful to be back in the park celebrating Canada Day together again.
“You are here for the music and the food and the friendship today that we have. It is a family tradition or most of us to be here and isn’t it great to be back in community in person today. It feels fantastic to see you all,” said Bond.
Mayor Lyn Hall then said Canada Day is an opportunity to reflect on what Canada means to each of us and the work that still needs to be done. He also noted the significance of welcoming the refugee families from Ukraine who are celebrating Canada Day for the first time.
“They have had a horrific time in Ukraine, so welcome to our Ukrainian residents that are here,” said Hall. “It was a short time ago that each one of us had the opportunity to welcome and invite the Syrian refugees to our community and I think that is reflective of what Prince George is and the entire nation. We are a welcoming community, and we are a multicultural community.”
This was the 49th year Canada Day has been celebrated at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park in Prince George.
The event which, is organized by the Multicultural and Heritage Society was at risk of being cancelled but a group of local business owners and community volunteers stepped up to make the event happen.
“COVID-19 had a huge impact on public events and Canada Day had to be cancelled for the past two years. This spring the board of directors tried to revive the festival but encountered multiple obstacles that were at the point they felt they had no option to cancel the event due to the lack of volunteers and support,” explained the society’s president Patrick Pocha.
“But you know you are from Prince George when people you have never encountered before step forward and say, ‘hold it we need a Canada Day festival in the park.’ This town is ready to celebrate Canada’s Birthday and we are willing to help.”
He said it is amazing what we can accomplish when we work together to achieve a common goal.
For more than 30 of those years, the event has been organized by the society’s Coordinator, Marlies Greulich, who has been volunteering with the local Canada Day celebrations since 1976.
She was also honoured with a special gift during the opening ceremony to thank her for all of her work over the years.
The rest of the day saw the park filled with people and entertainment including Khast’an Drum Group, Zahari Belly Dancers, South Pacific Dance Group, Mexican Link, Bollywood Dancer, Pow Wow Dancers, The Chris Goodwin Band and more.
