Express Gratitude

On July 1st, many people recognize and celebrate the birth of this territory that we now know as Canada. Before we honour and celebrate Canada, we should be mindful of its history and its Indigenous roots. All WRDSB schools are situated on land that either belongs to the Between The Lakes Treaty or the Haldimand Tract. It is our responsibility to understand the history of the land we are on and it is a first step to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

The name Canada likely comes from the Huron-Haudenosaunee word “Kanata” which means village or settlement. It is important to note that the Indigenous Peoples of the territory known as Canada are the original people of this land and lived here thousands of years before European explorers arrived and before there were any borders. For this reason, many Indigenous Peoples today do not consider themselves Canadian as they were born into Nations present before the creation of Canada. Nations continue to exist today.

Canada is home to over 35 million people according to the Census data from 2016. Canada is a multicultural country which is home to different traditions, festivities and celebrations. From Gander, Newfoundland to Smoky Lake, Alberta – tune in to learn about how different communities celebrate Canada Day. Check out this Government of Canada website to participate in celebrations from coast to coast in a virtual format for 2020.

What makes you proud to live on this land?

Categories: Elementary