” It’s not appropriate to celebrate right now” BIA chair David Conning.
Collingwood’s downtown BIA has called off plans for Canada Day entertainment and displays.
The board of directors decided Tuesday morning to cancel street entertainment this year, in the wake of the discovery of more than 1000 unmarked graves at the sites of two residential schools in western Canada.
David Conning, BIA chair, says businesses will instead display posters about Collingwood’s We CANada project.
The project encourages people to reflect on our history and cultural diversity and build pathways to reconciliation.
“This year we just felt it’s not appropriate to celebrate right now in light of the history of indigenous people and the way that they have been treated in the past.” said Conning.
The BIA had planned events for July 1 and the July 3-4 weekend.
The decision is in line with the Collingwood’s statement on July 1 activities.
