The Hyack Festival Association is acknowledging the First Peoples of Canada as part of this year’s float.
As part of Canada’s 150th birthday year, Hyack president David Brett said the group wants to acknowledge, remember and learn about the ancient history of this land – and celebrate the foundation of New Westminster as part of Canada. The association’s newly unveiled float features a theme: First Nations. First Cities. Telling Our Story. Together.
“It really represents the coming together of two stories – the story of the first people of the land and the new people,” Brett said. “New Westminster has a very proud colonial tradition, and we can tell those two stories together. We can celebrate history and culture and recognize it’s important.”
Qayqayt Chief Rhonda Larrabee attended the recent float unveiling ceremony at New Westminster City Hall.
Residents will have a chance to see the float for themselves during the International Hyack Festival Parade on Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m.
“It promises to be an amazing parade as usual,” Brett said. “Other events during the festival include the Hyack Grand Prix bike race, which is taking place on May 20. We are all looking very much forward to that.”
Mayor Jonathan Cote has proclaimed May 20 to 28 as Hyack Week in the City of New Westminster.
“I think it’s definitely going to be well appreciated in all of your travels,” he said. “I think your theme this year really connects with the fact that the City of New Westminster is embarking on the Truth and Reconciliation process. I think it really is an appropriate theme. Obviously, we are looking forward to celebrating that theme with you throughout this year.”
While Canadians are celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, Brett noted Hyack is adding a plus sign to its 150th anniversary logo.
“That plus is very important because it recognizes the history of the First Peoples of the region, before the foundation of Canada,” he said. “I think there’s a synergy there. New Westminster also precedes the foundation of Canada.”
According to Brett, New Westminster’s float will be seen by more than three million people during this year’s parade season because it travels to cities like Seattle, Tacoma and Wenatchee. It will also be in the Vancouver Canada Day parade.
