The Village of Pemberton’s (VOP) annual Canada Day parade returns this weekend after a three-year hiatus.
This year's event aims to unite Spud Valley by "weaving together the fabric of our community." The parade will feature more Indigenous participation compared to past years, after formal invitations were extended to members of Lil'wat Nation and other St'at'imc First Nations communities.
That includes youth from Samahquam Nation who are set to join the Pemberton and District Chamber of Commerce on the organization's float this year, according to the Chamber's executive director Natalie Langmann.
She said local First Nations' involvement in the event is crucial as Pemberton's community continues working towards reconciliation. “It's a really big deal that the communities are actually coming together to celebrate Canada Day,” Langmann acknowledged.
The Chamber's float will also honour two "local legends," Langmann added. Large posters on each side of the float will feature the likeness of Shirley Henry, Pemberton's longest serving mayor, and Lil’wat educator Dr. Lorna Williams, who played a pivotal role in helping revitalize the Ucwalmícwts language in the region.
Canada Day became an increasingly controversial topic in recent years as more Canadians began recognizing the devastating impacts of colonialism on Indigenous peoples. This year's parade could be smaller as people look for ways to mark the holiday with reconciliation in mind. An ongoing labour shortage is also making it more difficult for some Pemberton businesses to participate.
Still, Langmann is eager to rebuild the event for everyone who calls the region home.
“I don't know if it's going to be a big parade. I don't know. But it's a start," she said. "It's a start to building and bringing back what we used to do."
The parade kicks off at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, beginning at Pemberton and District Community Centre and finishing at the Downtown Community Barn. Following the walk through the Village, Pemberton's Canada Day celebrations will continue at the community barn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring free activities like Lil'wat Nation crafts, face painting, a bubble table and live music.
In addition to the parade, the ever-popular Spud Run is also returning in 2023. The eight-kilometre trail run begins at 8 a.m. at the Pemberton and District Community Centre, though the Village of Pemberton recommends interested runners arrive by 7:45 a.m.
Spud Run participants will receive a voucher for one free pound of potatoes from Helmers Farm.
Limited parking will be available at the Community Barn, downtown Pemberton and Community Centre parking lots after 10:45 a.m. BC Transit will continue running its regular service on July 1.
Anyone wishing to participate in the parade can reach out to Langmann at [email protected] for more information.
