Canmore Canada Day parade turns away unregistered Shriners, band deemed ‘culturally appropriative’ | 24CA News
The Al Azhar Oriental Band unexpectedly confirmed up forward of the Canada Day parade within the mountain city of Canmore, Alta., however officers mentioned the Shriners wouldn’t have been allowed to take part even when that they had utilized.
A city spokesperson confirmed the band arrived unannounced forward of Saturday’s festivities and, regardless of their philanthropic endeavors, was refused entry.
Had the band submitted the correct paperwork, the city says the request would have been denied because of cultural appropriation considerations.
“The Town of Canmore values the considerable service and contributions of the Shriners to children’s organizations across Canada,” Sally Caudill, Town of Canmore chief administrative officer, mentioned in an announcement to Global News. “Bands in Canmore’s parade are by invitation solely. Unfortunately, the Shriners didn’t register prematurely, as required, for the Town’s Canada Day parade this 12 months, so we didn’t know they had been coming.
“Therefore, we were unable to notify them in advance that we would not accept their Al Azhar Oriental Band as a parade participant as it is culturally appropriative and does not fit with our community values and standards.”
Jim Brown, Al Azhar Shriners of Southern Alberta potentate, tells Global News that the practically 20 members of the native band, who cowl their very own journey bills, carry out “in Middle Eastern garb” to entertain the kids alongside the parade route and to lift consciousness for the Shriners’ dedication to serving to kids with medical considerations.
Brown known as Canmore’s determination “a little surprising,” including that “it’s a shame” that the band couldn’t play for the kids, and that the Shriners would “review the facts.”
He conceded that societal attitudes and the occasions are altering, and conversations would possible be had on the native degree in addition to greater up on the way forward for the Oriental band title.
The Calgary-based band is a part of the worldwide Association of Shrine Oriental Bands, which started practically a century in the past at a time when the title and costumes had been mentioned to embrace the mystique of overseas lands.
Brown says a number of factions of the Shriners participated in Canada Day parades final weekend in Banff, Drumheller and Airdrie, and shall be part of Friday’s Calgary Stampede Parade in addition to Saturday’s Bowness Stampede Parade & Breakfast.
According to Brown, there are greater than 200,000 registered Shriners all through the world.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
