Celebrating Heritage Along the Wolastoq

Fredericton and Moncton — Indigenous families, elders, children, and allies gathered across New Brunswick on Tuesday to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with drumming, dancing, and cultural displays. The events offered a platform for reflection, remembrance, and celebration of Indigenous resilience.

A Teen’s Journey Back to Her Roots

Azalliz Moulton, a Wolastoqi teenager from Fredericton, shared her personal journey of reconnecting with her heritage after growing up off reserve. As emcee of the Wabanaki gathering at St. Mary’s old reserve, Moulton emphasized pride in identity and cultural safety.

“I want them to see it’s OK to be who we are now — like we are safe now. We don’t have to hide,” she said.

Moulton also works with Under One Sky’s Aboriginal Head Start program, supporting Indigenous children aged two to five, teaching songs and cultural practices such as smudging.

Honoring the Past, Acknowledging Pain

The gatherings were not only celebratory but also solemn. Katie Lunney of Gignoo Transition House reflected on the difficult history of residential schools, where Indigenous children faced cultural erasure, physical abuse, and trauma.

“We’re thinking about all those children who didn’t come home and we also think about those who did come home forever changed,” Lunney said. Yet she found hope in the colorful display of orange shirts, ribbon skirts, and regalia, which celebrated Indigenous resilience.

Communities Unite Across Cities

In Moncton, Carol Scott described the event along the Petitcodiac River as “a sea of orange.” She highlighted the importance of allyship, acknowledging her own settler ancestry and the need to learn from Indigenous communities.

Jill Van Horne, attending with her young children, said the event reinforced lessons of respect for Indigenous traditions. “We are so fortunate to live on unceded lands and share them with the original owners,” she said, describing one dance as moving her to tears.

Cultural Pride Through Dance and Song

Ramona Milliea, originally from Treaty One lands in Manitoba and now residing in New Brunswick, participated in a jingle dress dance. With family members who endured residential and day schools, Milliea said public celebration of Indigenous culture brings profound pride.

“To be able to practice our culture, and to be able to hear our songs and to be able to do our dances out in public, really does make the heart — it fills your heart,” she said.

Building Awareness and Unity

Across both Fredericton and Moncton, the events underscored a message of cultural pride, resilience, and reconciliation. From youth to elders and allies, attendees embraced both reflection on historical injustices and celebration of living traditions, ensuring the next generation carries forward knowledge, pride, and respect for Indigenous heritage.

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Surrey Welcomes Annual Celebration of Arts and Culture

Surrey is set to host a series of free events as part of the national Culture Days festival, running from Sept. 19 to Oct. 12, 2025. The nearly month-long celebration aims to engage residents in arts, culture, and heritage activities across the city.

A City Embracing Diversity

Mayor Brenda Locke highlighted Surrey’s diversity in a recent city press release, noting the city as a hub where “people of all backgrounds can come together to live, learn, work, and belong.” She encouraged residents to participate in the free events designed to foster creativity, inclusivity, and community spirit.

Venues and Activities Across Surrey

The festival will feature interactive presentations and activities hosted by Community Arts, Public Art, Historic Stewart Farm, Museum of Surrey, and Surrey Archives. Last year, Surrey ranked among the top 10 communities in Canada for civic participation during Culture Days, reflecting strong local engagement.

Events for Every Interest

Highlights include Arts Day at Clayton Community Centre, the Harvest Fair at Historic Stewart Farm, and Indigenous-focused programs at Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House. The festival is designed to ensure there is “something for everyone to enjoy,” according to city officials.

Participation and Access

Residents can view the full schedule of events by visiting culturedays.ca, selecting “Events,” and searching for “Surrey.” Admission to all activities is free, offering a chance for families, students, and community members to engage with local culture without barriers.

Promoting Creativity and Community

Culture Days provides an annual platform for Canadians to explore artistic expression and heritage. In Surrey, the festival aligns with the city’s vision of a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive community, reinforcing the importance of arts and culture in daily life.

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Hamilton Weekend Packed with Festivals and Family Fun

Seasonal Celebrations Across the Region

Summer may be winding down, but Hamilton and surrounding communities are keeping the festive spirit alive this weekend with a diverse lineup of events. From Aug. 22 to 24, residents and visitors can enjoy cultural festivals, art exhibitions, live performances, and outdoor activities.

Winona Peach Festival Returns

The annual Winona Peach Festival is back at Winona Park on Barton Street East, running Friday through Sunday with free admission. The community celebration, first launched in 1967, features handmade crafts, food vendors, midway rides, and live entertainment. Organizers promise activities for all ages, with children’s programming on Saturday morning and free evening concerts throughout the weekend.

Family Activities at Dundurn Historic Site

The Hamilton Children’s Museum will host a free pop-up in Sophia’s Garden at Dundurn National Historic Site on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Young visitors can enjoy hands-on nature experiences inspired by the 19th-century diary of Sophia MacNab, offering a playful way to connect with gardening and local history.

Music and Theatre in the Park

On Sunday at 7 p.m., Dundurn Castle Park will host The Carnival of Animals, a classical production by Camille Saint-Saëns. Featuring actor and mime Trevor Copp, the performance blends theatre and music to introduce audiences to a lively parade of animal characters, supported by poems highlighting ecological themes.

Art Gallery Tours Highlight Local Creativity

The Art Gallery of Hamilton is offering guided tours on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. The sessions aim to give visitors deeper insights into ongoing exhibitions while sparking conversations about artistic processes and ideas.

Authors Gather at Victoria Park

Literature takes centre stage at Victoria Park on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., where nearly 50 Hamilton authors will share their works as part of the fifth anniversary of Authors in the Park. The free event brings together established writers and emerging voices, celebrating the city’s growing literary scene.

Indigenous and Settler Stories at Chiefswood Park

The three-year community project Voice of The Grand will reach its finale on Saturday at Chiefswood Park, Six Nations of the Grand River. The day begins with an Indigenous Artisan Market, followed by a parade and picnic, and culminates in a play retelling the stories of the Grand River. A live performance by David Maracle will close the evening.

Cultural Showcases Across the Region

Hamilton’s diversity shines through additional festivals this weekend. The Afro Canadian Caribbean Association will host Diaspora Vibes on Sunday at Ferguson Station, featuring live performances, dance, drumming, and an Afro-centric market. In Niagara, the Irish Music Niagara group will stage the Niagara Irish Festival with music, dance, and Irish cuisine. Meanwhile, Burlington’s Central Park will come alive with the Latin Festival, promising Latin food, music, and family entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday.

A Weekend of Shared Experiences

With warm summer temperatures forecasted and only a slight chance of showers, organizers are optimistic about strong turnouts. Whether exploring local history, celebrating cultural traditions, or simply enjoying live music under the sun, Hamilton and its neighbours are set to offer something for everyone this weekend.

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Spiritual Landmark Draws Thousands to Mississauga

On Sunday, thousands of devotees gathered at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, to witness a historic spiritual event—the unveiling of North America’s tallest statue of Lord Ram. The 51-foot idol, not including its 7-foot pedestal, now stands as a landmark of Hindu faith and culture in Canada.

Monumental Project Honours Indo-Canadian Heritage

Crafted in Delhi using fibreglass and supported by a steel superstructure, the statue has been designed to endure extreme weather, including wind speeds up to 200 km/h. The structure reflects the culmination of a four-year project led by Indo-Canadian philanthropist Laj Prasher. Assembled locally by artisans in Canada, the statue symbolizes a fusion of traditional Indian artistry and modern engineering excellence.

Political Leaders and Diplomats Join Inauguration Ceremony

The event was attended by prominent Canadian dignitaries, including Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality; Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board; and Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade. Andrew Scheer, interim leader of the Conservative Party in the House of Commons, was also present, alongside Acting Consul General of India, Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh.

Minister Sidhu opened his remarks with “Jai Shri Ram,” stating, “This is something to be very proud of—not just for the Hindu community, but for all Canadians who value diversity and tradition.”

A Community’s Spiritual Offering to the Nation

Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri, founder and head priest of the Hindu Heritage Centre, emphasized that the statue is “a spiritual gift to the community,” representing a commitment to righteousness and unity. Inspired by the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya in 2024, the Canadian initiative mirrors that divine momentum in the diaspora.

Event organiser Kushagr Sharma added, “This is not just a celebration of faith. It’s a proud moment for all Canadians who cherish cultural harmony.”

A New Icon in the Canadian Skyline

One of the statue’s most striking features is its visibility from the skies. Positioned under the flight path to Toronto Pearson International Airport, the towering idol of Lord Ram will be among the first sights visible to arriving passengers—symbolically greeting newcomers with a message of peace and dharma.

Enduring Symbol of Unity and Devotion

The grand unveiling concluded with a floral shower and chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” echoing across the temple grounds. Over 10,000 attendees witnessed the spiritual and cultural milestone. The statue now stands as a beacon of Indian heritage in North America—an enduring reminder of the values of righteousness, devotion, and unity that Lord Ram represents.

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Canada has long been admired for its natural beauty, hockey legacy, and maple syrup—but in recent years, its biggest export may just be culture. From Grammy-winning musicians to YouTube royalty and fashion-forward icons, Canadian influencers have risen to global prominence, shaping trends, redefining youth identity, and proving that you don’t need to be from New York or L.A. to make an impact on the world stage.

Let’s start with the heavyweights. These artists and creators have done more than entertain — they’ve shifted the narrative of what it means to be young, global, and Canadian.

Drake: The Global Hip-Hop Icon

Hailing from Toronto, Drake is arguably Canada’s most influential pop culture export. With chart-topping hits, a signature sound that blends vulnerability with swagger, and a global brand that spans music, fashion, and sports, Drake has made Toronto a cultural capital. He’s inspired a generation of youth to embrace emotional honesty in music and take pride in their local roots.

Lilly Singh: Breaking Barriers in Comedy & Media

Known to her fans as Superwoman, Lilly Singh turned relatable YouTube skits into a career that shattered glass ceilings. As one of the first South Asian women to host a major late-night TV show in the U.S., Singh represents inclusivity, self-expression, and the power of digital storytelling. Her presence is particularly impactful for young women of color navigating dual identities.

NAV: A New Kind of Hip-Hop Star

Punjabi-Canadian rapper NAV brings a distinct flavor to North American hip-hop, blending moody beats with cultural nuance. His success challenges mainstream stereotypes about who can lead in urban music genres, opening the door for more multicultural representation in the industry.

Other Rising Stars

Let’s not forget The Weeknd, Alessia Cara, Shawn Mendes, and Tate McRae—each shaping global pop music in their own unique ways. Their Canadian identity may not always be front and center, but their authenticity resonates with millions.

How Canadian Influencers Are Shaping Youth Identity

1. Redefining “Cool” as Inclusive and Global

Canadian influencers often present a softer, more globally aware version of cool—one that emphasizes diversity, emotion, and storytelling over brash celebrity. This resonates with Gen Z and millennials seeking depth over flash.

2. Normalizing Dual Identity and Cultural Pride

Many of these influencers come from immigrant backgrounds—Lilly Singh, NAV, The Weeknd—mirroring the lived experiences of youth around the world. By openly embracing their heritage, they empower others to do the same.

3. Making Local Feel Global

Drake’s “The 6ix” branding of Toronto made a local slang term a global catchphrase. This localization of identity tells young fans: your city, your accent, your story matter.

4. Building Through Digital First

Canadian influencers are masters of online platforms—YouTube, SoundCloud, TikTok—creating direct relationships with fans without relying solely on traditional media. This approach has inspired a generation of digital-native creators.

The Ripple Effect: Canada as a Cultural Powerhouse

Canada’s multiculturalism and inclusive values have created fertile ground for a new kind of pop culture—one that celebrates authenticity, hybrid identities, and creativity over conformity. As these influencers continue to make waves, they’re doing more than topping charts or trending on social media—they’re reshaping how youth see themselves and what’s possible for their futures.

Whether it’s through lyrics, videos, comedy, or fashion, Canadian creators are helping young people embrace who they are, where they come from, and how they want to express themselves in a connected world.

Final Thoughts

The rise of Canadian influencers in global pop culture isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. One where talent, diversity, and authenticity transcend borders. And for today’s youth, that’s more than inspiring—it’s transformational.

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