Celebrating Canada Day at Work
Looking for a quick, actionable way to honor Canada Day at work? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now. Canada Day, observed on July 1, marks Canada’s confederation in 1867. But for many Indigenous Peoples, it also represents colonization, intergenerational trauma, and ongoing injustices. Recognizing that complexity in workplace observances builds respect, empathy, and deeper inclusion. Here’s one powerful idea you can implement immediately.
Why This Holiday Matters
Acknowledge the layered significance of Canada Day with your team:
- For many Indigenous Peoples, it’s a day of mourning, not celebration, rooted in colonial history.
- Commemorating without context risks perpetuating harm, as it erases Indigenous voices.
- Incorporating complexity fosters genuine allyship, building trust and belonging in the workplace.
When we lean into challenging truths, we open space for better relationships and awareness.
One Inclusive Celebration Idea
Host a 30-Minute Reflect & Respect Circle
- Set expectations: Frame it clearly—“This is a reflection space, not a celebration.”
- Begin with land acknowledgment: Name the Indigenous territories where you’re gathering.
- Share an Indigenous-led perspective: Use this article—Why you shouldn’t be celebrating Canada Day—and what to do instead—to introduce the conversation. It explains why Canada Day can be harmful to Indigenous communities and offers thoughtful alternatives to celebration.
- Invite voluntary sharing: Provide prompts like “What feelings does Canada Day bring up for you?” and emphasize sharing is optional.
- Close with purpose: Encourage participants to take one simple step afterward—whether it’s reading an Indigenous-authored article or attending a local learning event.
This single activity grounds your observance in respect and integrity—no extra bells and whistles needed.
Ready for More?
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Pause & Reflect
How can your next workplace observance balance celebration and accountability in honoring national holidays?
