July 1, 2021

In 2021, this is a time to reflect, listen, learn and explore a deeper understanding about what Canada Day represents for you andTeepee news all people. 

The Town of Banff is facilitating space in the community for continuing the journey of healing and reconciliation. July 1 is an opportunity to continue an important conversation about our shared past and future.

All My Relations Day – Every Child Matters

July 1 at 10:30 a.m. in Central Park, you are invited to bear witness to the statements of understanding and healing given by Elders, Community, and Youth Leaders of the Iyarhe Nakoda (Stoney) people.

Canada Day 2020

We invite you to learn more about Indigenous Peoples in the area now known as Banff and read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Findings, Principles and Calls to Action at Banff.ca/IndigenousPeoples or visit the display window at Banff’s Bear Street Parkade for the full text of the 94 Calls to Action and the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Canada Day Banff: Mobile, Live and Local

#Banffliveandlocal

July 1 in Canada's first national park is an ideal place for contemplation about this iconic location for many Canadians.

The views are wonderful. The wide-open spaces and pristine mountain air are exhilarating. Banff offers opportunities for a welcome boost to mental and physical health. Our community has taken extra measures to make this one of the safest destinations anywhere. 

Traditional Canada Day programming is not occurring due to safety and planning reasons, and in recognition of the need to take time to reflect on what Canada Day means to our community and our nation. Banff will not host a parade, pancake breakfast or fireworks this year. However, after the opportunity to listen to one regional First Nation's important stories, people are invited to share moments together in our downtown area or in your residential neighbourhoods.

We are getting artists back to work with a unique take on traditional programing which highlight the talent and cultural diversity of the Bow Valley. We invite you to engage in dialogue with First Nations interpreters, learn about our rich cultural heritage, and why we need to acknowledge our past to do better in our future.

In what we hope are the waning days of COVID, we are reminded that Canada is stronger when we work together and acknowledge that our diversity makes us more resilient: the sum is greater than the parts.

See you in Banff on Canada Day.  Be Safe.  Be Kind.

Open video in a new window

9:30 a.m. Canada Day Story time 
Join Kelly from the Banff Public Library for a special online Canada Day story time https://www.facebook.com/banfflibrary

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Farmers Market
Visit Central Park for some farm-to-market produce, ready made-to-go meals, and artisanal crafts and goodies, as organized by the Banff Farmers Market Association https://www.thebanfffarmersmarket.com/

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. An Invitation to Show Support for Indigenous Communities, Whyte Museum front entrance and grounds.  
Though the Whyte Museum is not yet open to the public, on July 1, they will be providing an offering box just inside the museum entrance for those wishing to make a donation or express support for Indigenous Peoples. They also invite anyone to spend quiet time on the museum grounds reflecting on the beauty of nature around them and to remember that for thousands of years, Indigenous peoples gathered in this beautiful valley to visit, exchange stories, trade, sing, and to enjoy the healing waters and fresh mountain air. The Whyte looks forward to reopening to the public on July 15.

12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mobile Performances in resident Neighbourhoods
Mobile stages will be visiting neighbourhoods in our mountain town.  Enjoy from your lawn, balcony or front door:

  • 12:30-2 p.m. West side of Banff Avenue
  • 2:45-4 p.m. South of the Bow River
  • 4:45-6:30 p.m. East side of Banff Ave 

If you live on a narrow road, laneway or cul-de-sac we might not be able to visit your home. But remember you can again visit a friend's yard in groups. Take a walk around and check out other parts of your neighbourhood.

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pop Up Artists
Take a wander away from downtown Banff and you could find musicians, magicians, actors, dancers, singers and more, presenting joyful snippets of cultural entertainment. Explore Central Park, the Bow River Trail, playgrounds, Bear Street and our greenspaces for some surprises as well as some temporary and permanent art pieces by local artist Rheo Weber.

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Indigenous Conversations
We invite everyone to come to Central Park to have a conversation about Indigenous culture.  Interpretation will be led by Daryl Kootenay of the Stoney Nakoda Nation and Blackfoot Medicine Speaks from the Blackfoot Nation will be present.

For those who can't make it to Central Park today but wish to learn more, we invite you to read the Truth and Reconciliation Executive Summary and the 94 Calls to action http://www.trc.ca/about-us/trc-findings.html

We encourage people to take time to learn more about Indigenous peoples in this region, and to explore resources such as recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, available at https://banff.ca/1103/Indigenous-Peoples  

The full text of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have been posted in the display window at the Bear Street Parkade, along with the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Special Thanks

  • Canadian Heritage
  • Parks Canada
  • The Whyte Museum
  • Banff Public Library
  • The Radiant

8 p.m.: Canada Day National Concert
See below for details

Canada Day Performances

National Concert

Banff will join a national broadcast and online concert to help Canadians come together, and enjoy sights and sounds fromCDay2021_SM_JannArden-E Canada's first national park. Majestic mountain views in Banff will be included in the national broadcast.

Canadian Heritage will unveil the full day’s programming in late June. But below is a sneak preview.

On July 1, the spotlight will be on those whose job it is to bring beauty to our lives and make our culture shine. The two-hour program will be broadcast on CBC television and ICI Radio-Canada Télé, as well as on Canadian Heritage's YouTube channel. During commercial breaks on Canadian Heritage’s YouTube channel, join Anne-Marie Withenshaw as she takes you on a tour behind the scenes at the studio, chats with the industry’s craftspeople, and checks out the artist rehearsal.

How to watch:

  • Canadian Heritage's YouTube channel From 6 pm to 8 pm MT - Banff time (8 to 10 pm ET)
  • CBC Television From 8 to 10 pm MT - Banff time

Lights on Canada Day is the Canada Day evening program, where we will help showcase artists and artisans in the entertainment industry across the country. The concert features performances in Ottawa, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Yukon, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and the Northwest Territories. Alberta will be represented by Banff!

 Performances feature:

Jann Arden - performing from Banff (no tickets available - broadcast only)

Special Thanks to

Artists