‘It is a time to reflect:’ Melville postpones Canada Day celebrations

Canada Day celebrations won’t be happening this year in Melville.

The southeastern Saskatchewan city announced Saturday evening that it will be postponing its events, including a parade, fireworks, and a yard decorating contest, in light of the findings at a residential school near Broadview Thursday.

“Out of respect for our neighbours, friends, and families deeply affected by this situation … City Council decided to postpone the Canada Day celebrations while our communities are mourning,” the Saturday release by the City’s Director of Public Works and Planning Services, Andrew Fahlman. Fahlman is also the City’s acting City Manager.

Council held a special meeting Friday to discuss what needs to be done moving forward, deciding on three motions to recommend to the community.

They include postponing the events, establishing communication with local First Nations leadership to plan a cross-cultural celebration this summer, along with asking the public to light a candle at their homes — either on their front step or window — in support of residential school survivors.

In its release, Fahlman called the findings at residential school sites “a sad part of our nation’s history.”

“We will have a lot to celebrate in the future. Until then, let us stand with our neighbouring First Nation communities in the true spirit of solidarity and reflection and honour the survivors, but most of all, let us remember those who did not survive,” Fahlman’s statement reads.

Melville is located just over 50 km north and west of Cowessess, and nearly 150 km northeast of Regina.