Committee announces 2017 Gold Cup Parade marshal
The 2017 Gold Cup Parade marshal will be Brian Francis, chief of Abegweit First Nation.
The parade committee made the announcement this week.
The theme this year is “Canada, Eh!” in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.
Ray Murphy, parade chairman, said he is thrilled to have the indigenous community involved in the 2017 parade.
“I am delighted and honoured to have Chief Brian Francis as our parade marshal on this milestone year for Canada,” said Murphy.
“The First Nations people have been part of this land for centuries and having Chief Francis as part of our celebration shows the important role Indigenous people play and have played in our country.”
“My ancestors have been on this Island for over 12,000 years,” said Francis. “Having an Indigenous leader as the marshal would never have happened decades or even a few years ago.
“I believe that Canada now has an understanding of acknowledging the dark parts of our past and is prepared to move forward in the spirit of reconciliation and partnership.”
Francis will lead the parade through the streets of Charlottetown on Friday, Aug. 18, beginning at 10 a.m. on North River Road.
Spectators are encouraged to wear red and white in support of the theme. For information, visit www.goldcupparade.ca.