Breakfast with a side of cultural knowledge

By Lethbridge Herald on July 2, 2025.

Alexandra Noad
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For many years, Lethbridge residents have celebrated Canada day in true Canadian fashion: a breakfast and giving back to the Interfaith Food Bank.

Each year the food bank hosts a breakfast that includes a breakfast sandwich, fruit and coffee, as well as entertainment for kids and adults alike.

Danielle McIntyre, executive director for the Interfaith Food Bank, said this year they served over 900 people, with donations going directly to the programs the food bank offers.

Alongside the breakfast there was a market put on by Domesticated Divas and a classic car show by Barons Car Club, with both organizations donating proceeds to the food bank.

Last year, Bridging Worlds Consulting put up a teepee where there was education about Canada’s history from an Indigenous point of view, and this year the Indigenous Recovery Coaching program also put up a teepee, where an elder provided Indigenous face painting to anyone who wanted to participate.

McIntyre says reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility, especially on days like Canada Day.

“I feel like it’s all of our responsibility and I think hearts and minds are open now, whereas they maybe they weren’t before and baby steps are still progress.”

Elders Edmond Many Bears and Greta Old Shoes shared with visitors to the teepee about Indigenous teachings and traditions.

Old Shoes said many people were eager to learn from them.

“One lady came in and she’s been in a teepee before, but because us elders were in here, we are able to explain to them about the culture and what the teepee means.”

Many Indigenous people have a complicated relationship with Canada Day, especially with the history of how they were treated in residential school and the ‘60s Scoop,’ but many believe that collaboration is key to be able to reconcile the past.

Many Bears said it was nice to have the opportunity to be seen and heard by many people.

“It’s good to be sitting here and meet other people and hearing my story and get a little bit of an insight to our culture.”

McIntyre said its events such as the ones held on Canada Day that make people feel truly Canadian.

“I think it’s a testament to the community nature of our organization of this event…and it’s events like this that make people feel Canadian.”