Amber Valley celebrated its unique history in relation to Canada’s 150th birthday Sept. 16.
About 35 were at the event to start, which began with speeches from dignitaries, and concluded with a pork and meatball dinner followed by a dance.
Gil Williams, Amber Valley Cultural Centre president, said when the association heard about Athabasca County’s grant opportunity for Canada 150 events they applied last fall. They did not receive a grant, but decided to push ahead with a downsized celebration.
“Athabasca is full of people that came to Athabasca and farmed and pioneered here,” he said. “In particular, Amber Valley was originated by the black settlers that came from the United States.”
Williams added in the spirit of celebrating people’s roots, he asked dignitaries to speak a bit about their roots.
Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater MLA Colin Piquette said his roots “go quite a bit back.” He said his mother’s side came to what is now Canada with Champlain and his father’s side came in the 1620s with the French army.
“I’m sure many other people here have similar family histories,” he said. “This is a beautiful place to be now. It was beautiful before but this was not an easy place to get started in. There were a lot of challenges.”
He went on to speak about the recent controversy over some people wanting to take down monuments to Canada’s first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, which he said he is not sure he “follows along with.”
“I think it speaks to a change in attitude, which is positive,” he said. “I think we’re going into the 21st century with an understanding that truly all people are equal; truly all people have the same right to dignity and for a chance at success.”
Athabasca County Reeve Doris Splane spoke about Canadians being privileged to live in a country where we can celebrate without fear, and come together to celebrate as Canadians, even though individual heritages may be different.
“I just want to say let’s celebrate our diversities as we commemorate this event, and all the freedoms we have as Canadians,” she said.
“We have a great nation, in which I want to say…” – she added, putting on a Canada Day hat and mini flags – “…I’m truly proud to be a Canadian.”
