Kana’ta.
It means Canada in Mi’kmaq.
This year, as we celebrate July 1st, Halifax Regional Municipality has planned several events that will incorporate Indigenous culture into the day.
After the discovery of 215 Indigenous children at the Kamloops residential school site in 2021, HRM consulted with Indigenous communities about how to move forward with Canada celebrations.
“Their immediate feedback was, it’s not about canceling – do not cancel Canada Day. Take the opportunity to reimagine, refocus and reinvigorate it, to be more reflective of the shared history that we have in this territory,” Indigenous Community Engagement Advisor, Cheryl Copage-Gehue says.
With that input, HRM has planned a full day of activities with something for everyone.
Today some of our members are assisting with preparations for tomorrow’s KANA’TA: Canada Day 2022 events. For more information check out: https://t.co/RclcsZHeCM
@meethalifax @hfxgov @HFXFirefighters pic.twitter.com/2OqA0Nu5dz— Halifax Fire (@hfxfire) June 30, 2022
Cultural events:
- MAWIO’MI ON THE COMMONS: 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Halifax Commons
A Cultural Village will be created in the middle of the Halifax Commons for families to enjoy music, crafts, games, authentic Indigenous cuisine, and more.
- Royal NS International Tattoo – Canada Day Parade: 10:00 a.m.
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo will take over some downtown streets, showcasing 25 groups and floats from all over the world.
Route:
West on Duke St to Brunswick St. South on Brunswick St to Spring Garden Rd. West on Spring Garden Rd to South Park St. North on South Park St to Sackville St. East on Sackville St to Brunswick St. North on Brunswick St, dispersing at Scotiabank Centre.
- The 6th Annual Drumming Celebration: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park
Enjoy this family event with hands-on activities from Parks Canada, including multiple live performances and a chance to join in on a MASSIVE drum circle! With the support of Canada Day Drumming National Committee, Canada Day Drumming Halifax (CDD Halifax) has successfully organized this annual event since 2017 to celebrate with our local immigrant communities.
- ANSMA SHOWCASE (Dartmouth Summer Sunshine Series) 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park
Join the African Nova Scotian Music Association live at Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park for a display of incredible emerging and established artists including our headliner and Juno Nominee JRDN aka Jordan Croucher!
- KANA’TA 2022 MAIN EVENT CONCERT + Fireworks Finale 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM – Grand Parade
Join co headliners Crown Lands and Neon Dreams (2020 and 2021 Juno winners for Breakthrough Band of the Year). Our main stage concert will be high energy from start to finish! As we go live across the country to showcase Halifax during a National broadcast we ask all attending to prepare for a great night of live entertainment.
Fireworks:
Fireworks and Pyrotechnic displays will be happening in Downtown Halifax, following the main concert event at Grande Parade, Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park, following the African Nova Scotian Music Association’s showcase and at Dewolfe Park in Bedford.
Transportation:
All Halifax Transit services (conventional bus, Access-A-Bus, Regional Express service and ferry) are free on July 1.
Halifax Transit buses will be on holiday (Sunday) service on July 1. Alderney Ferry will operate on 30 min service from 7:30 a.m. & 10 a.m., and 15 min service between 10:15 a.m. & 11:15 p.m.
Schedules: https://t.co/PHXAhU6YAa
Reminder: ALL TRANSIT SERVICES ARE FREE JULY 1! pic.twitter.com/GaNcI0SWEC
— Halifax Transit (@hfxtransit) June 30, 2022
Museums and Parks:
The Halifax Citadel Heritage Site and Pier 21 will both offer free admission all day.
*Event details sourced from Halifax Regional Municipality’s official page for KANA’TA: Canada Day 2022
