La Ronge town council held a ‘special meeting’ Thursday to discuss a press release that came out the day before, cancelling all Canada Day celebrations in the region.
During the meeting, mayor Colin Ratushniak explained an email was sent out to council members Tuesday asking if anyone was opposed to cancelling Canada Day events.
He said at that time, no one opposed, but a councillor came forward with concerns Thursday and asked to discuss it with council.
The meeting continued with each councillor then the mayor explaining why they were for or against cancelling the annual festivities.
Councillor Ryan Veteri said he was for cancelling the event because it doesn’t feel like the right time to be celebrating.
“The horrific things that have happened (are) not good and we should recognize that, and allow some time for healing,” Veteri said. “It’s not to say we won’t celebrate Canada Day again some year, but we need to do it together as a community. Right now, I don’t feel that the community can celebrate Canada Day together.”
Councillor Viviana Ruiz Arcand motioned to the residential school system as one reason she was for cancelling events.
Councillors Joe Hordyski and Hugh Watt voted against cancelling.
“I don’t think that’s what the citizens of La Ronge want,” Hordyski told the council chambers. “I’ve spoken to many people and I haven’t had one person that agreed that we should cancel, and I think that we represent the people of this community.”
He said the town could, “incorporate a ceremony or event to show our respect and honour what happened in the past,” during their Canada Day celebrations instead of cancelling.
Watt told council he was against the motion because he felt Canada should be celebrated.
“We’ve lived through some horrible events, but let’s celebrate Canada for what it truly means – a great country,” Watt said.
Deputy mayor Jordan McPhail, a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, explained to council that he acknowledges no one on council is to blame for Canada’s history but everyone is needed for reconciliation.
“We are all personally responsible to fight alongside our brothers, sisters and family to make sure we all continue to bring Canada forward with nobody left behind,” McPhail said. “A Canada that will reconcile with those that the colonial systems have hurt and forge new paths to building a better Canada.”
McPhail then brought forward the motion to formally cancel Canada Day events in the town.
The motion was passed with five out of seven members voting in favour.
La Ronge’s regional partners – Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band — also won’t be holding events to celebrate Canada Day this year.
The tri-communities will instead be promoting the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which is on Monday.
(PHOTO: Town of La Ronge office and council chambers. File photo.)