Kamloops announces plans for Virtual Canada Day

Kamloops is going to have another virtual Canada Day.

The City partnered with the Kamloops Arts Council and, with funding from Heritage Canada, to plan a virtual event with musical performances, artists, interactive activities and opportunities to learn about Indigenous Peoples culture and history, according to a City of Kamloops news release.

"We’ve secured a strong line-up of performances by local groups, including the Ukrainian Dancers, Canada Wide Drumming, and the Big Little Science Centre," Brie Fernando, Kamloops Art Council program coordinator said in the release. “In addition, there will be interactive activities for the whole family, ranging from yoga to culinary art.”

There will be a science experiment, dance tutorial and a performance by Uncle Chris the Clown for kids to interact with.

"The annual event in Riverside Park draws tens of thousands of people, so we know it’s a popular event. Last year, we dipped our toe in the virtual world with strong support, and we plan to once again entertain and provide learning opportunities for residents from the comfort of their own homes," the City's community events coordinator, Dewi Evans, said.

For this year's July 1 events, the City announced on Thursday it will encourage education for residents on Indigenous culture and heritage.

The City will also continue to light city facilities with orange to mark Indigenous History Month, and flags will remain at half mast until July 2 to honour the 215 children found buried near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

"We have been working with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) to include important remarks, information, and cultural elements," Evans said in the Friday release. “We are most grateful to our community partners who have contributed to our programming, especially TteS who have so many important responsibilities at this time.”

More information on this year's virtual Canada Day events can be found on the City website here.

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