Two municipalities have decided to cancel their Canada Day celebrations to show support for Indigenous communities in this province and across the country in this time of mourning.

The Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and the Town of Wabana instead are encouraging residents to mark July 1 with a ‘Day of Reflection,’ by taking some time to learn more about Canada’s history with the residential school system, and about the diverse First Nations across the country.

The decisions follow the confirmation of hundreds of unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools.