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National Observer
02-07-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
Canada Day festivities draw thousands, as Carney says values are under pressure
Canadians took to parks and civic squares across the country Tuesday to show unity on Canada Day amid American threats, economic uncertainty and Western alienation. "We've decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that's the Canadian way," Prime Minister Mark Carney said to thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa. This year's festivities at Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park got the royal treatment, with Prince Edward praising Canada's unity and accomplishments. "Seeing this sea of red and white, there is only one sense that I have here," the Duke of Edinburgh said. "Today is truly a celebration of you, and your home and your land, strong and free." Leaders gave speeches interlaced with musical performances, Indigenous cultural demonstrations and multiple flypasts of Snowbirds military jets. The federal Heritage Department counted 8,000 people attending the afternoon ceremony. Gov. Gen. Mary Simon told the crowd that the country is on a journey of reconciliation that began by listening to each other, by honouring the past and "holding space for the pain and resilience" of Indigenous Peoples. "Kindness is the thread that weaves our communities together," she said. Canada Day celebrations draw thousands, as Carney says values are under pressure. #CanadaDay In Carney's first national holiday since taking office in March, the prime minister touched on moments in Canada's history of coming together, from the Battle of Vimy Ridge to the role of Gander, N.L., in supporting people whose flights were grounded after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. "Our economy is being attacked by a trade war we didn't start," he said, alluding to US President Donald Trump's series of tariffs on Canada. "Our values are being tested by attacks on democracy and freedoms — attacks that we must resist. And once again, as the world is becoming more divided and dangerous, Canadians are uniting." Carney used his speech to tout legislation his government passed to speed up the permitting of major projects, despite Bill C-5 attracting controversy from environmentalists, Indigenous groups and democracy advocates. He called on Canadians to show the same industrious spirit that got the St. Lawrence Seaway built and 1967 Expo in Montreal, and to "build, baby, build" in the face of US economic threats. Canada Day this year coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag and the 45th anniversary of the official adoption of "O Canada" as the national anthem. The ceremony also marked the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope. Federal Canadian Identity Minister Steven Guilbeault noted that Terry's younger brother Darrell was present, as part of a team of cyclists biking 7,000 kilometres from Vancouver to St. John's. He also noted the passing of "remarkable Canadians and Indigenous Peoples we lost" over the past year, including actor Donald Sutherland and the former head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair. "Their legacies live on, in the people they inspired, the change they sparked, and the Canada they helped build," Guilbeault said. Simon invested five individuals into the Order of Canada during the Ottawa ceremony, including actor Ryan Reynolds and musician Heather Rankin. An evening show was set to feature artists like Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de Pirate, Brenda Montana, Dear Rogue and Alex Wells. In Alberta, where talk of separation from Canada has dominated much of the political discussion following the Liberals win in April's federal election, hundreds soaked up the sun on the legislature grounds in Edmonton. "I'm proud to be Canadian and standing strong for Canada," said Alice Rutto, who noted talk of separation is what prompted her to come out for the celebrations. But Jack O'Brien had mixed views. While he said Canada Day is a day for "everyone to come together" and isn't the time for independence talk, his views about Canada will be different on July 2. "This is the time for us to celebrate Canada, correct? But if you ask me tomorrow about separation, it's a whole different story," said O'Brien, who lives in a rural community. "I'm not a fan of the Liberal government and I would think a majority of Albertans are not, and to be honest, if they wanted to separate and wanted my vote, they would get it." In Vancouver, hundreds gathered to take in live music on Granville Island, where local shop owner Jaskiran Kaur said she was proud to see the community marking the holiday, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the announced discovery of graves at BC residential schools. "I think Granville Island was really consciously trying to be mindful when it came to residential school survivors and the recognition of Indigenous culture," Kaur said as she waited in line for her children to get their faces painted. "I think that was why it's been very toned down the past few years. And I think it coming back, across the board in the country, is very much to do with the 51st state rhetoric," she said, a reference to Trump's aspirations to make Canada an American state. In front of Toronto City Hall, hundreds gathered at Nathan Phillips Square to take pictures in front of the three-dimensional Toronto sign, while enjoying live music and dance performances. Phoenix Deluca said she drove in from Peterborough, Ont., with her friends visiting from Scotland so they could join the celebrations. "It's nice to show off Canada," she said. "I'm very proud to be Canadian." Carlos Gama immigrated to Canada three years ago from Brazil, and said he's spent every Canada Day since then in downtown Toronto. He said he'll be celebrating with "poutine and other Canadian foods." A few blocks away at Queen's Park, hundreds protested at an Idle No More rally, opposing Ontario's own major-projects legislation that has drawn loud opposition from Indigenous groups. "We have to come together. The Great Lakes are going to be dead within 10 years," Melanie vanDam, a member of Cutler First Nation, said to the crowd through tears.
01-07-2025
- Politics
Carney praises Canadians' unity as July 1 celebrations continue
Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? In his first Canada Day address as prime minister, Mark Carney emphasized unity in a changing world. One hundred and 58 years ago, a few provinces bet on the idea that they'd be stronger together than they ever could be apart. They were right, and so they became a new federation that's now grown into our strong, bilingual, multicultural and ambitious country, Carney said in his video address. That unity includes writing the country's next chapter together in true partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Speaking at a Canada Day event in Ottawa, the prime minister took a moment to acknowledge some recent challenges. WATCH | Carney's message to Canadians: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Canada Day this year coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag and the 45th anniversary of the official adoption of O Canada as the national anthem. This year's festivities at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa also got the royal treatment, with Prince Edward praising Canadian unity and accomplishments. Seeing this sea of red and white, there is only one sense that I have here, the Duke of Edinburgh said. Today is truly a celebration of you, and your home and your land, strong and free. Leaders gave speeches interlaced with musical performances, Indigenous cultural demonstrations and a double flypast of Snowbirds military jets. The federal Heritage Department counts 8,000 people were attending the events. Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said the country is on a journey of reconciliation that began by listening to each other, honouring the past, and holding space for the pain and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. Kindness is the thread that weaves our communities together, she said. WATCH | Prince Edward praises Canada: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Prince Edward praises Canada's achievements in July 1 speech Prince Edward capped off a weeklong visit to Canada with a stop in Ottawa, where he gave a speech to Canada Day revellers at LeBreton Flats Park. 'Today is truly a celebration of you, your home and your land, strong and free,' he said to cheers from the crowd. Speaking at a Canada Day event in Ottawa, the prime minister took a moment to acknowledge some recent challenges. We find ourselves in a situation where our economy has been attacked by a trade war we didn't start ... in a situation where our values are being tested by attacks on democracy and freedoms — attacks that we must resist. In an interview with CBC's Catherine Cullen, Carney said we'll see if Canada and the U.S. can reach a trade deal by July 21, a previously agreed-upon deadline (new window) set by the two countries. We're doing what is necessary in order to get the best deal for Canadians. If we get the best deal for Canadians, we will agree to it. If we can't we won't — it's that simple, he told CBC. WATCH | Carney talks Canada-U.S. relationship: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Asked about a growing separatist movement in Alberta, Carney said he remembered tensions between Alberta and the federal government when he was growing up in the province. What happened is we came together, helped build the province … everyone coming together, he said. Alberta's a great province and this is an even greater country. The same's going to happen again. Carney noted in his address that Canadians have been uniting in a more divided and dangerous world, pointing to his one-Canadian economy plan as a way to push back against instability. This is the greatest nation on Earth. Our destiny is to make it greater still — not by what we say, but by what we do. Happy Canada Day. Find out how to follow the day's celebrations by clicking here (new window). Racy Rafique (new window) · CBC News
American Press
16-06-2025
- General
- American Press
Moccasin-making tradition passed along at Coushatta Tribe workshop
Caspie Abbey of Mandaree, N.D. helps Thunder John of Lake Charles stitch his moccasins during a recent workshop in Elton. Participants actively participated in the process of creating moccasins while learning from experienced instructors. (Doris Maricle / American Press) The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana is working to preserve and revitalize their Native American culture and traditions while connecting future generations with their tribal roots This week, the tribe's Heritage Department hosted a moccasin making workshop for its members. According to Director Missy Stanford, the goal of the workshop was to provide tribal members of all ages with a tangible link to their ancestral past by teaching them a significant cultural skill. 'It is very important that we are bringing tribal members of all ages to carry on a tradition that was done by our ancestors,' Stanford said. 'Moccasins hold a historical significance as traditional footwear of our ancestors, while some still wear them today. It's nice to see the interest being shown in learning the craft.' The workshop was led by experienced moccasin makers and beaders Caspie Abbey, from the Hidatsa, Mandan, Dakota, and Crow tribes, and her husband, Donovan, a member of the Coushatta Tribe from Mandaree, N.D.. Together they shared their knowledge of the history, artistry, and techniques of moccasin making with nearly 20 local Coushatta Tribe members. 'We like to see young and old, men and women, learn the art and teach it to others, passing it down from generation to generation,' Donovan Abbey said, noting that many attendees were new to hand sewing and beadwork. 'Our goal when we leave Monday is that they will have a complete pair of moccasins to wear to the powwows or share with their grandchildren and that they pass on this knowledge.' According to Caspie Abbey the hands-on workshop is crucial to preserving traditions, honoring the tribe's legacy and building community by providing a space for tribal members to connect and share their stories. Donavan Abbey added that the initiative demonstrates the Coushatta Tribe's deep dedication to maintaining their cultural identity. Participants learned about the history and cultural importance of moccasins and the cultural significance across various tribes. While some created moccasins for themselves, others created a meaningful expression of care and tradition. Looking ahead, Donovan Abbey also hopes the skills will empower tribal members to become self-sufficient by selling their handmade creations. Caspie Abbey said moccasins are not merely footwear, but hold sacred meaning and are often cherished family heirlooms. The moccasins incorporate family designs and geometric motifs, with specific bead colors and symbols like crosses and flowers reflecting each tribe's heritage. She noted that each tribe has its own distinct style, stitch, and beadwork. The styles can range from contemporary to traditional, frequently crafted from smoke elk and deer hide, with many created for ceremonial purposes such as powwows and special dances. Some are even known as 'going home shoes,' designed for burial rituals to symbolize the journey to the afterlife. 'The moccasins are a symbol of who we are and where we are going,' Caspie Abbey said, noting that the moccasins they make and wear reflect the unique history, culture and traditions of the tribe. Bryson Robinson, 18, of Elton, who is learning to make moccasins shared his motivation for learning, stating he needs a pair for his dance regalia and has always wanted to master the craft. He also stressed the deep cultural importance of moccasins to Native Americans, pointing out that the beads and colors represent different tribes. Thunder John of Lake Charles was excited to make his first part of moccasins. 'I'm trying to learn the craft because I've never had a pair of moccasins that I've made before,' John said. Aletha Istre of Elton, who attended with her seven-year-old daughter, Grai 'Grey Bear,' underscored the importance of passing down these traditions. 'I think it's very important to teach the next generation so we can keep the tradition alive,' she said. Loretta Williams of Elton echoed the sentiment. 'I think we need to keep it going, especially for the ones who enjoy dancing,' Williams said. Williams, who has made moccasins with her son, is now hand-stitching a pair for her granddaughter to wear at the powwow. Carolyn Langley of Kinder found the process of working on the moccasins and beadwork to be a relaxing experience. Having taught herself to do beadwork three years ago, this was her first attempt at making moccasins, a new skill she hopes to share with the children she babysits. Issiah Richard of Topsy and his wife Justine, both new to moccasin making, were enthusiastic about creating their own footwear. Issiah is looking forward to powwow dancing in his own creation, while Justin is crafting moccasins to complement her husband's red, black, orange regalia, also incorporating a touch of her mother's Navajo heritage into her design. 'I'm trying my best,' she said. 'I've made some mistakes here and there.'
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Rolex celebrates GMT-Master 70th anniversary with exhibition
It may take years for Rolex to create a new watch model, but when it does, rest assured that it will be part of the crown's stable for decades to come, as in the case of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Advertisement From May 26 to June 8, the storied timepiece will be the focus of an exhibition at Freespace, in the West Kowloon Cultural District . Titled 'Time Zone to Time Zone', the show invites visitors to explore the legacy of a watch that has transcended its aviation roots to become a symbol of prestige as much, if not more, as its air-faring forebear. Stuart Roosa's GMT-Master pictured during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, accompanied by a message from the astronaut. Photo: Rolex Born in 1955, the GMT-Master was Rolex's answer to a new era of travel. As jetliners shrank the world and passengers crossed multiple time zones in hours, the need for a reliable, easy-to-read second time zone became paramount. The GMT-Master's signature two-colour 24-hour bezel and an additional hour hand allowed wearers to track home time and local time simultaneously – a breakthrough that quickly popularised the watch among pilots, explorers and travellers alike. There's plenty to keep both ardent Rolex collectors and casual watch enthusiasts engaged, from a showcase of key milestones in the evolution of the GMT-Master and its successor, the GMT-Master II , to a curated selection of vintage models preserved by Rolex's Heritage Department, highlighting the watch's technical innovations and design refinements over seven decades. From the original Plexiglas bezel to the modern ceramic variants, and from the early calibre 1036 movement to today's calibre 3285, the GMT-Master's evolution mirrors that of Rolex, and the wider watch world's, in terms of precision and durability. The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II was introduced in 1982 with an independently adjustable hour hand. Photo: Rolex Then there are the leaps in craftsmanship such as the watch's luminescent Chromalight display, which was enhanced in 2021 for superior legibility, and the return of the Jubilee bracelet in 2018. The GMT-Master II's independently adjustable hour hand, introduced in 1982, also marked a pivotal moment, allowing travellers to adjust local time without stopping the watch – a feature that has cemented its status as the ultimate tool watch.
