Canada Day celebrations will not take place in the city of Melville July 1, in light of the evidence of 751 unmarked graves found at Marieval Indian Residential School on the Cowessess First Nation.

Melville Mayor, Walter Streelasky said the decision was made after a special council meeting on Friday night.

“Melville City Council made this decision after a special city council meeting that was held on Friday evening,” he said.

“This was done to determine a way to offer respect, compassion, and empathy to our Indigenous community, a decision was made to postpone our Canada Day celebrations, including the parade and fireworks.” Steelasky said.

“In place of this we ask residents to observe the day with quiet reflection, by lighting a candle or placing an orange shirt in their windows,” Steelasky added.

Melville City Council is also looking at the possibility of a cross-culture celebration later this summer.

It wasn’t determined if traditional Canada Celebrations will take place at a later date in Melville or not.

(Gx94)