From June 21 to July 1, it’s time to celebrate Canada!

place in the fabric of Canada.

by Larry Ellis

Celebrate Canada! is an eleven-day celebration which takes place from June 21 to July 1. We are justly proud of the nation we have built together over the last 154 years. Since the earliest days of our history, Canada has been a land of promise. We have built a society that celebrates achievement and excellence and at the same time, maintains a respect for human rights.

On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canadians from all walks of life are invited to participate in the many events taking place across the country. This date is of cultural significance to many Aboriginal peoples as it marks the summer solstice — first day of summer and the longest day of the year. Dedicating this day to the First Peoples is a way to honour their important

June 24 is Saint-Jean Baptiste Day, the day when French Canadians all across the country express pride in their culture and rich heritage through colourful parades and parties. These festivities combine the ancient rites of the summer solstice – a period of light and hope – with the tradition of honouring their patron saint. Attend any Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day party and you will discover the spirit of French Canadians.

June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day, officially proclaimed in 2002 is an opportunity to recognize our diversity and our commitment to democracy, equality and mutual respect, and to appreciate everything the many multicultural communities have brought to Canadian society.

July 1, Canada Day, we gather in our communities and proudly celebrate all we share in common across this great land. We mark all our achievements, which have their foundation in the visions and values of our ancestors, voiced in nearly every language in the world through new Canadians. We remember with pride the work of authors, poets, performers, artists — like our own

A.Y. Jackson — inventors, farmers, pioneers in medicine, and the special gifts of thousands of others. This history, dating back to 1867, continues to reveal new chapters more touching and fascinating than the last. Consider what we have learned and what we have yet to learn from each other. It is a time for festivities and for reflection.

A lot has changed over the years but Manotick is still a village, and we are proud of that!