Why We Still Acknowledge Canada Day at GYB
At Got Your Back (GYB), we work every day with young adults who see the world in their own unique ways. As the calendar approaches July 1st, we often find ourselves reflecting on the complex and painful truths behind what’s widely known as “Canada Day.”
I want to be honest with you. I don’t celebrate Canada Day. I don’t believe in the idea of “Canada” as it’s been taught to us a country built on stolen land, established through colonization, and governed by systems rooted in lies and oppression. The land we live and work on was taken from Indigenous peoples, and the effects of that theft are ongoing.
But at GYB, our work isn’t about what I believe. It’s about meeting our members where they are. Many of the young adults we support don’t grasp the painful history behind Canada Day. They associate July 1st with things that feel safe, joyful, and familiar: barbecues, music, fireworks, spending time with friends. For them, it’s about connection, fun, and tradition not colonialism or harm.
We try, gently and consistently, to educate. We talk about the land we’re on. We share, in ways our members can understand, that not everyone feels this day is a celebration. We acknowledge the truth: this is Indigenous land. We incorporate land acknowledgements, we highlight Indigenous voices when we can, and we encourage reflection.
But we also recognize that for our members many of whom have disabilities, cognitive delays, or unique ways of understanding the world these lessons take time. They may not fully grasp the weight of what Canada Day represents. And to them, the day holds positive meaning.
So, we continue to hold space for both truths:
👉 We honour that July 1st is a hard, painful day for many.
👉 We support our members in the ways they need even if that means lighting a sparkler, flipping a burger, or watching fireworks together.
It’s not perfect. It’s complicated. But at GYB, we believe that learning, unlearning, and healing is a journey one we’re all on together.
If you’d like to support us in bringing more Indigenous-led education into our programming, please reach out. And as always, we welcome respectful dialogue about how we can do better.
In solidarity and truth,
Sean Guptill
Founder, Got Your Back (GYB)
