Yellowknife’s Somba Ok’e Civic Plaza was stuffed with over 100 folks on Saturday for the town’s third annual Emancipation Day celebration. The occasion, organized by the Black Advocacy Coalition up North (BACupNorth), supplied a chance for reflection on Canada’s historical past of slavery and a celebration of the native Black neighborhood.
Since 2021, August 1 has been formally acknowledged as Emancipation Day in Canada, commemorating the enactment of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which abolished slavery throughout the British Empire, together with Canada.
The festivities featured a wide range of actions, together with free meals, cultural shows, an artwork show, and dwell music. Performances by the Yellowknives Dene Drummers and Munya Mataruse and associates added to the occasion’s vibrant ambiance.
Grace Nchangnwi, who attended along with her household, described Emancipation Day as a big event. “Emancipation Day to us means freedom,” she stated. “It’s a special occasion.”
Gilbert Langsi, one of many occasion organizers, emphasised the significance of understanding this historic context. “There’s an outdated saying in my Native language: ‘When you don’t know the place you’re coming from, you may’t positively know the place you’re going to,’” he stated. “Today helps us know our historical past as Black folks and educates others so we are able to work collectively to advance our collective struggles.”
The occasion not solely highlighted historic reflection but in addition embraced pleasure and neighborhood spirit. Attendees of all ages danced and loved the sunny climate, with BACupNorth founder Ambe Chenemu noting that the celebration was meant to mirror the neighborhood’s achievements. “What we’re portraying right here is that we’re profitable,” Chenemu stated. “We’ve a neighborhood that helps each other to create higher recollections and a greater journey for future generations.”
The celebration supplied an area for each studying and delight, reinforcing the neighborhood’s resilience and unity within the face of historic and ongoing challenges.
