Thousands of people descended on Jasper over the weekend to celebrate Canada鈥檚 150th anniversary since Confederation.
The national holiday began with the municipality鈥檚 traditional pancake breakfast at Centennial Park followed by an official flag raising ceremony with speeches from MLA Eric Rosendahl, mayor Richard Ireland and Supt. Alan Fehr.
鈥淭his year we celebrate Canada150, a century and a half of formalized unity, of a structure of governance, law and relationships, which was conceived and designed to carry the dreams and aspirations of a young nation,鈥� said Ireland as it began to rain.
He acknowledged that celebrating 150 years since Confederation in no way diminished or denied the injustices and inequities which predated Canada鈥檚 constitution or the injustices that persist today.
鈥淭hey must serve to spur us for a more just, accepting and compassionate society,鈥� said Ireland.
He also took time to acknowledge Canada鈥檚 diversity and freedom.
鈥淭he promise of Canada has also been that we鈥檙e better together, that we鈥檙e stronger because of our diversity, diversity in people, in culture, in experience. Canada is its people, in all their rich diversity, but that diversity can flourish only where there is freedom,鈥� said Ireland.
鈥淐anada150 reminds us that respect is the foundation of freedom. Respect for each other, respect for intrinsic human dignity, respect for the rule of law and for our democratic institutions, respect for this land and the natural environment, which nurtures and sustains us.鈥�
The first half of Rosendahl鈥檚 speech also touched on the historic and continuing injustices faced by Indigenous people in the region before pivoting to celebrate Canada鈥檚 modern achievements as a country.
鈥淎s a people we have grown in depth, breadth and number through welcoming new Canadians from all over the world. In return our nation has given us a place to thrive. A place characterized by compassion and respect. A country dedicated to a system of governance that ensures the democratic will of all people is respected while providing safeguards for the most vulnerable among us,鈥� Rosendahl said.
Supt. Alan Fehr reminded the audience that Jasper National Park is located in treaty Six and Eight territories as well as the traditional territories of the Beaver, Cree, Ojibwe, Shuswap, Stoney and Metis nations.
He also recognized the role of the Athabasca River, which was one of the first transportation corridors through JNP and is a heritage river.
Following the flag raising ceremony, thousands of people lined the streets to watch the annual Canada Day parade and a fireworks display in the evening.
Paul Clarke
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