This year, Canada Day has come with a sense of pause and reflection while taking an honest look at our past. Together, we need to recognize the wrongdoings against Indigenous Peoples.

In the coming weeks representatives of the Town of Antigonish, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, and StFX University will come together with Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation to listen and learn from the experiences of our Mi’kmaw friends and neighbours. As we share and listen, we are committed to doing what we can as a community to respect and acknowledge the uncovering of hundreds of missing Indigenous children at residential schools across the county. This truth is hard for many of us to process and harder still for survivors and their families. As friends and neighbours, we are committing to supporting each other in these difficult times and work collectively to heal. 

These truths will forever change how we celebrate Canada Day. They create an opportunity to recognize part of our history that has been long kept hidden. For Indigenous people, this is an opportunity to share your stories, be heard and supported. For non-Indigenous people, this is an opportunity to listen, learn, reflect, and act in support of our Indigenous friends and neighbours. 

This year on Canada Day, we encourage you to show your support by wearing orange in solidarity with the Every Child Matters Campaign.  We encourage you to listen to survivors’ stories. Learn from others, share your solidarity, and provide your support to those working towards a stronger future for our community and country. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action report and the Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are two places to start that journey.

This is a moment to listen and a moment to be part of a movement for change, together. 

Wela’lin, Thank you,

Chief Tma Francis     Mayor Laurie Boucher      Warden Owen McCarron     President Andy Hakin

To download a PDF copy of this statement,  pdf click here.  (182 KB)