Edmonton’s cultural diversity at forefront of Alberta Day celebrations
Posted September 1, 2024 4:46 pm.
Last Updated September 2, 2024 10:26 am.
Edmontonians celebrated Alberta Day at the legislative grounds on Sunday, with people from different backgrounds coming together to honour the province’s culture, heritage, and diversity.
“I’m originally from the U.K.,” one person told CityNews. “The fact that I’ve been here for 20 years and I came here, and now I’m a Canadian citizen. So just coming down here and experiencing all the different cultures, different foods, I just think it’s really great.”
“I’ve been in Edmonton for 16 years and I’m really proud to be part if this function,” added Nancee from Bake ‘n Roll YEG.
This year, Alberta Day featured a variety of cultural dances and live music, including a performance by Indigenous dancers.
On July 2022, the provincial government announced that Sept. 1 would be known as Alberta Day. It recognizes the anniversary of the province’s place in Confederation, when the Alberta Act came into effect on Sept. 1, 1905.
“We have to recognize who we are but we have to recognize where we come from and that starts with the contributions of Indigenous Peoples that contributed Indigenous land of course, but it also contributes to the hard working entrepreneurial spirit of Albertans,” said Dale Nally, minister of Service Alberta.
In addition to music, the event also featured a made-in-Alberta marketplace, with vendors showcasing a wide variety of cultural merchandise and traditions.
“Bring my henna here for everybody to embrace it and enjoy it,” said one of the women behind Henna by Noorjai. “Even if not everybody is getting it, but it’s always nice to have a conversation, teaching them what’s henna.”
“It’s just part of the cultural diversity in Edmonton,” said one Edmontonian. “Really awesome way to celebrate it and to embrace it. I think Alberta Day is really awesome for that.”
“I just bought some earrings from an Indigenous vendor an over there,” added another. “A lot of handmade stuff. I’m very excited about my Oilers earrings that I just got.”
One vendor told CityNews she was proud to showcase her hand-painted jewelry on Alberta Day.
“The colours are all inspired by my Indian roots,” said Archana Gupta of Dazzling Designs. “I take pride in being an Albertan. When we moved here, it’s been nothing but a positive experience.”
