Pemberton’s 2024 Canada Day parade built on last year’s success, paving the way for the community to move forward with truth and reconciliation in mind.
Natalie Langmann, former director of the Pemberton Chamber, took the reins last year and said it was important the Lil’wat Nation played an essential role. Langmann said she was inspired by Pemberton’s longest-serving mayor and beloved volunteer, Shirley Henry. A flag of Henry was displayed proudly at this year’s parade as the community works its way towards a better, shared future.
Locals competed in the Spud Run to kick off the day, racing eight kilometres through the Pemberton Valley. After the parade, friends and neighbours met up in the Downtown Community Barn for cupcakes and cotton candy, crafts from the Lil’wat Nation, a bubble station and local games. Local musician Austin Ross played music for the special occasion.
Langmann told Pique local First Nations were always present at Pemberton’s Canada Day parade.
“Traditionally all the Nations came to Pemberton and entered floats. That totally shifted,” she said. Last year’s parade divided public opinion, with many preferring to abstain from festivities altogether.
The Lil'wat Nation's Maxine Joseph Bruce and Roxanne Joe took the lead this year. “Those ladies get dressed up in regalia and they lead the parade,” said Langmann. “Another lady jumped in and joined in.”
Pemberton’s parade has always been unique, and a representation of its diverse population.
“It is unique because it is a unique place,” said Langmann. “I look at photos of Whistler’s parade this year and it’s like looking at Disneyland. We have logging trucks, concrete trucks and all our local businesses. It’s just so diverse. We are different because we are living on Lil'wat Nation's unceded and traditional territory.
For the past two years, youth from Samahquam Nation were invited to the event. “We had a couple of families who bring their kids all the way from Samahquam every year,” said Langmann. “This is the only way to move forward. We are creating memories. It’s a community who want to help out and move forward.”
She added the parade has been a highlight for locals for decades. “People get really excited for this event,” she said. “Years ago, farmers would spend weeks working on their floats in their barns.”
Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police also marched in the parade. ”It’s a new Canada Day and it’s the only way. We want to move forward,” said Langmann. “This is about celebrating everyone and our diversity. Pemberton is trying to move forward."
Bruce has been involved in the parade for years. “This year, I did a welcome,” she said. “We led the parade. That was awesome.”
Bruce took over from her mom who would spend ages preparing a float for the event.
“My mom was always involved with things that were going on in Pemberton,” she said. “She put a float into the parade. She would decorate the wagon and have hand-drummers there. She wore her buckskin regalia. It was something that I saw my mom do. “
Bruce said the parade is an opportunity for neighbouring communities to gather and cooperate.
“I think we need to get together,” she said. “There are so many things that we can get together about.“
