By Kenneth Jackson
APTN National News
The federal government says this year’s Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa will reflect the diversity of the country but a list of performers announced Tuesday did not include any Indigenous acts, unlike the past years.
The acts are detailed on Canadian Heritage’s website, the department that organizes the annual event.
That prompted a media story claiming Indigenous performers were purposely left off the list.
“The first order of business: cut the aboriginal artists,” said a story on the Frank Magazine website in Ottawa. “Why? Apparently, the (Prime Minister’s Office) is worried about being embarrassed by political stunts from Idle No More rabble-rousers.”
APTN followed up with the office of Canadian Heritage Minister Shelly Glover.
“I can say on the Minister’s behalf that this terrible rumour is entirely false,” said Mike Storeshaw, one of Glover’s spokespeople. “Our Government always strives to ensure Canada Day on Parliament Hill speaks to all Canadians and reflects our pluralistic values and diversity from coast-to-coast-to-coast. This year will be no exception.”
The list of performers, that makes headlines every year upon its announcement, includes the likes of Serena Ryder, Nadja, Daniel Lavoie and country singer, Brett Kissel.
APTN followed up asking how the line up reflects Indigenous culture.
“The list of performers doesn’t appear to have any Indigenous performers, which has been the case in the years prior, so could you please explain how this reflects pluralistic values and diversity?” APTN asked.
Storeshaw replied: “The list of artists performing that was released yesterday is not an exhaustive one of all performers who will take the stage on Canada Day.”
A quick look at years prior, including this years, gives a detailed account of the events happening on and around Parliament Hill. Last year’s press release includes Lucie Idlout of Nunavut.
Storeshaw’s response implied further acts may be announced and slotted in the current schedule.
“Does that mean there are further acts to be named, that will include Indigenous performers?” APTN replied.
Storeshaw: “I’m afraid I can’t get into too much detail apart from that. While we release a list of artists (as was done yesterday), we don’t really pre-announce all aspects of the program in advance.”
He then emailed again saying the rumours were false.
“To restate the point, however — the original rumour is simply false,” he said.
“That’s the rumour that the Minister purposely left Indigenous performers off the list?” said APTN.
“The rumour from Frank Magazine,” said Storeshaw.
