Canada Day is a time not only to celebrate the country's history but also to reflect on those who came before us, said the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre constituency's MLA during a ceremony held Saturday at the Sundre Pioneer Museum.
"It's also a time to reflect on the future," said Jason Nixon, adding Canadians carry the responsibility of striving to continue with forging a legacy that will provide every reason for tomorrow's generations to be proud.
Addressing the crowd from an outdoor stage at the Sundre Pioneer Museum grounds, he said the property is situated on Treaty 7 territory, and that we today stand on the shoulders of pioneers and First Nations people who came before us.
Mayor Terry Leslie, who spoke next, said the day is also a chance to celebrate people who have made, and who continue to make, this country a wonderful place to call home. Pioneers of the past, present and future, such as centenarian John Whitesell Sr. who attended the ceremony, all contribute to make Canada "the greatest country on earth to live."
Sundre's mayor also encouraged people who attended to cherish the differences among Canadians as well as to respect diversity and foster peace.
Doreen Bergum, an Olds resident who was raised in Sundre, then offered a prayer as the elder for the MÈtis Nation of Alberta's Region 3 before activities throughout the museum grounds got underway.
From live demonstrations at the blacksmith to traditional family games and of course the annual Town of Sundre council barbecue, there was plenty to do for the more than 1,000 people who are expected to have attended ó a number organizers based largely on the amount of food served.
Despite a late afternoon rainfall, activities resumed at the Sundre Community Centre later that evening, when a movie and family dance were hosted before a big bang of fireworks to mark the end of the local celebration of Canada Day 150.
The events were all sponsored and made possible by a collaborative effort among the Town of Sundre, the Sundre and District Historical Society, as well as local businesses and volunteers.
