Dear Mr. Boddy,

The bodies of 1,333 (and counting) First Nations' children have been found in unmarked mass graves in recent weeks. This is evidence of what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded was a genocide.

The harm and trauma caused by the senseless and inhumane conduct and decisions of Canada reverberates throughout the generations of grandparents, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends of the young lives cut rudely short.

Many take the position that Canada Day and fireworks are about celebrating what is good about Canada. What is good about Canada is being widely reflected through the thoughtful decisions of city councils, like your own, to cancel Canada Day fireworks displays.

By going ahead with a fireworks display, Owen Sound sends a clear message about what it stands for, where its priorities lie and what interests it serves. After a few minutes of symbolic colourful explosions in the sky, Owen Sound's true nature will resonate through the ash debris floating through the air and the hollow cardboard shells that litter the surrounding area.

Is that what Owen Sound is?

CJ Albinati

image: Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden, Owen Sound