The Guardian

Canada celebrates 150 but indigenous groups say history is being 'skated over'

Anniversary marks British North America Act of 1867, but many people are rejecting the official celebrations and instead highlighting indigenous resilience
A rally in remembrance of the missing and murdered women and girls in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. ‘The celebration of occupation of stolen land is really hard to wrap my head around.’ Photograph: Alamy

Two hundred paddlers will weave through the waters, their canoes carving a thin line in English Bay against the backdrop of Vancouver’s dramatic skyline.

When they pull in to Vanier Park – one of the many destinations on their 10-day journey – local chiefs from the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations will greet them and offer permission to step ashore on to their traditional territories.

The protocol, which has played out on these lands for thousands of years, will be one of the signature events taking place next month as Vancouver marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of Canada’s confederation.

The milestone is being commemorated across the country this year. But as maple leaf-adorned paraphernalia flies off store

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