Victoria Day: should British monarchy share the day with Canada’s First Nations?

Happy Victoria Day, everyone! And judging by the comments to yesterday's story suggesting the holiday be subdivided, there's no enthusiasm for calling it anything else.

The Canadian Press reported Sunday that a number of prominent Canadians have started a petition to rename it "Victoria and First Peoples Day."

Notables such as writer Margaret Atwood, aboriginal actor Graham Greene and Inuit singer Susan Aglukark are among those backing a petition calling on Ottawa to repurpose the May statutory holiday to honour both the British monarchy (besides Victoria, it also recognizes the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II) and Canada's First Nations.

[ Related: Prominent Canadians back petition to rename Victoria Day ]

The petition's backers, which also include Green Party leader Elizabeth May and one-time NDP leadership hopeful Brian Topp, say it's a natural fit.

"For centuries, Canadians, the First Nations, the Inuit, and the Metis have had a close affinity with the British Monarchy," the petition reads. "Partners in trade, allies in war, friends in peace, and often relatives through marriage and descent – it is from this ancient and honourable relationship that Canada was created."

There's already a National Aboriginal Day marked on June 21. It was proclaimed in 1995 and described on a federal web page as day to celebrate First Nations, Metis and Inuit culture, "a fun-filled day for the whole family to enjoy together."

But, perhaps because it falls too close to Canada Day on July 1, it's not a stat holiday like Victoria Day. Canada has marked Victoria Day since 1845 and it became an official day off after the old queen died in 1901, according to a CityNews Toronto story from a few years ago. Quebec, where the British monarchy is not recalled fondly, celebrates it as National Patriots Day.

The history-obsessed Conservative government isn't likely to pay much attention to the petition but a lot of you don't seem to be crazy about the idea either.

The story posted on Yahoo! News generated a few sadly racist belches from some of Canada's danker basements, but many commenters simply didn't want a change.

Enough already, said Norm:

"For crying out loud! Can we manage to leave one part of our heritage intact? Emancipation Day, meant to commemorate the Crown abolishing slavery in the British Empire was changed to 'Civic Holiday.' 'Cause why would we want to celebrate that? Dominion day commemorating the day Canada became a dominion unto itself became 'Canada Day.' Apparently people misunderstood the meaning of the word dominion. Now we have to change Victoria Day, which celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday, as well as Queen Elizabeth's.

"I understand, that there are people in our fair Dominion, who cannot stomach the thought of anything that reminds them of our history with England. However, like it or not, this is part of our heritage, and should be treated as such. I do think that having a holiday dedicated to the only true original Canadians is a great idea. But create one, don't steal it."

Like Norm, others backed the idea of a stat holiday to recognize First Nations' contributions to Canada, but not at the expense of Victoria Day.

"Um, why can't we leave history alone?," asked S. "Find another day to celebrate as First Nations Day for goodness sake, we can't change the past."

[ Related: There’s more to Victoria Day than beer and fireworks ]

"If you want to give the First Peoples a day, give them a different one," commented Scott. "Or maybe they can share with Earth Day, seeing an no one cares about that."

The CTV News post of the CP story echoed the trend. Many felt as well that there should be a stat holiday to honour First Nations.

"I think that it's the least we can do for what we did to their land," wrote Chris V. "Not saying that's the only thing we should do, however, it would most certainly be a step in a good direction."

It's worth noting aboriginal leader Elijah Harper, who died last week, is remembered for blocking the Meech Lake Accord in 1990 largely because it did not recognize First Nations' equal status as with the French and English in the founding of Canada.

Wonder what he would think of this petition?