A day to celebrate and reflect on Canada's history, heritage and community with family friendly activities and entertainment at Fernie Aquatic Centre.
Canada Day has always been a popular day for Fernie to gather and celebrate friendship and fun. In recognition of our location within the Amakis Ktunaxa, the day begins with a flag raising ceremony at Fernie City Hall followed by a Reconciliation Walk to the celebration grounds around the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
Please note that due to high fire risk in the summer months, Fernie does not have a fireworks display for Canada Day.
SCHEDULE:
10:00am RECONCILIATION WALK
10 am: Opening Prayer & Speeches
10:25 am: Yaq?it ?a·knuq?I ‘it Creation Story and Flag Raising Ceremony
10:30 am: Walk from City Hall to Aquatic Centre with Drum Group
~ Fernie City Hall
10:00 am - 2:00 pm MOUNTAIN MARKET
Local arts, craft & produce vendors, hosted by the Fernie Mountain Market.
~ Fernie Aquatic Centre Grounds
11 am - 1 pm WELCOME
Welcome speeches, Yaq?it ?a·knuq?I ‘it traditional drumming, dancing & games.
~ Fernie Aquatic Centre Grounds
1 - 4 pm LIVE MUSIC
~Fernie Aquatic Centre Grounds
1:00 pm - Heather Gemmell
2:00 pm - Sami Valavaara
3 pm - Ivan Palomares
1 pm - 4 pm FREE ACTIVITIES
FREE SWIM
FREE FACE PAINTING
~ Fernie Aquatic Centre/Grounds
ABOUT CANADA DAY
Canada Day is celebrated annually on July 1st and is based on the anniversary of Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867 which brought together the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 2024 marks the 157th anniversary of that date. British Columbia joined the confederation in 1871.
The first inhabitants of North America are believed to have first migrated across the Bering Strait into the area now known as Yukon at least 14,000 years ago. Archeological sites in northern Yukon are the oldest known sites of human habitation in Canada. Indigenous Canadians include First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. There are over 640 First Nations governments and bands across Canada and many more Metis and Inuit councils and societies.
Canada is undergoing a period of reconciliation to understand and correct the injustices of the past and create a better future for all Canadians.