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Summary

‘Cancel Canada Day’ Is Trending On Twitter & There Are Protests Planned For July 1

The calls follow the discovery of an unmarked burial site at a former residential school.

Managing Editor, Canada

This article contains content that might not be suitable for some readers.

Following the discovery of unmarked mass graves on the grounds of former residential schools in B.C. and Saskatchewan, there are renewed calls to cancel the Canada Day holiday on July 1.

The hashtag #CancelCanadaDay has been trending on Twitter in recent weeks, with many people calling for celebrations on July 1 to be cancelled in favour of a day of reflection.

Those in favour of cancelling Canada day celebrations argue that the day should be used to reflect on the injustices inflicted on Indigenous peoples, including the lives lost at residential schools.

The calls for traditional festivities to be scrapped have been renewed following the discovery of the remains of hundreds of children at former residential schools in Kamloops, B.C., and at the former Marieval Indian Residential School, two hours east of Regina.

Outside of social media, Indigenous rights group Idle No More are planning protests in Vancouver and Ontario on July 1. A message on the organization's website reads, "We will not celebrate stolen Indigenous land and stolen Indigenous lives."

It adds, "Instead we will gather to honour all of the lives lost to the Canadian State – Indigenous lives, Black Lives, Migrant lives, Women and Trans and 2Spirit lives – all of the relatives that we have lost."

This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.

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    • Managing Editor

      Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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