How much do you know about Heritage Day?

Heritage Day is finally here, but how much do Albertans know about the holiday that happens on the first Monday of August?

“I couldn’t even tell ya. Can you give me a hint?” one man said.

After speaking to many residents on the street, 660 NewsRadio heard many answers. Some answers included Labour Day, Victoria Day, and Alberta Day, with some not being entirely sure.

Well, it has to do with celebrating Alberta’s heritage.

The holiday was first recognized on the first Monday in August 1974 and has since evolved into a province-wide celebration of Alberta’s multicultural heritage.

“We’re very much a melting pot, and that opportunity on Monday allows us to celebrate our individual, but also our collective history and heritage as a province, but also as a community,” said Josh Traptow, the CEO of Heritage Calgary.

A civic holiday is celebrated throughout Canada on the first Monday of August, though it has a different name in the various provinces. While considered a statutory holiday, it is technically not one.

Teresa Maillie, the creative experience assistant at the Confluence, says the idea of heritage is shifting and becoming more diverse and inclusive.

“Historically, people have really focused on just one aspect. And now because we have a more diverse way of looking at history, especially here at the Confluence, we’re really focusing on different narratives and different stories, and how that reaches out to people,” she said.

Maillie adds that Confluence is a perfect example of the shifting definition of Canadian heritage. It changed its name from Fort Calgary to the Confluence to recognize the Indigenous People and their history, not just the North-West Mounted Police’s history.

Alberta Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women Tanya Fir said in a statement that the province’s diversity has strengthened Alberta by “engaging and inspiring Albertans with new perspectives.”

“Alberta is home to many groups of people who have made our province strong and free, before, and since, Alberta joined confederation in 1905. In the past 119 years, Albertans of every background have driven innovation, spurred entrepreneurialism and built the community spirit that defines our province. Alberta’s diversity continues to be one of our province’s greatest assets, and on Heritage Day, Alberta’s government is celebrating this diversity,” she said.

While some provinces like Alberta celebrate the culture of the province, others use the day to commemorate figures and their achievements. Toronto was the first to introduce a civic holiday in 1869 and was renamed Simcoe Day in 1968 to honour the efforts of Maj.-Gen. John Graves Simcoe.

He abolished slavery in Upper Canada in 1793 before it was completely abolished by Britain’s Slavery Abolition Act in 1833-4.

If you’re looking for something to do to recognize the day, Heritage Park, which celebrated its 60-year anniversary in July, is hosting a traditional Chinese lion dance performance at 2:30 p.m. and an Indigenous drumming performance at 3 p.m.

“There are tons of events this weekend through the Chinook Country Historical Society where people can learn about the community and the history of our city, most of them are all free,” Traptow said.

In addition, there is a Bollywood dance performance at Heritage Park at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, a traditional Métis fiddle and jigs session at 4:30 p.m. and lots more to take in through the Chinook Country Historical Society for its Historic Calgary Week, which can be found online.

More information on Heritage Day events at the park can be found on its website.

With files from CityNews Staff