Dominion Status Day

When did the Dominion Status Day start?

The first recorded date of Dominion Status Day being celebrated on September 26 was in the year 1941.

About Dominion Status Day Holiday

Dominion Status Day in Canada is a holiday celebrated on September 26. It commemorates the date in 1907 when the British Parliament passed the British North America Act, which united three of the four colonies in the country and officially made Canada its own dominion.

The holiday celebrates the achievements of Canada’s independence and the unity of the Canadian people. Canadians celebrate with parades, fireworks, music, and other festivities. It is also a time for reflecting on the country’s history and considering the people, places, cultures, and experiences that have formed Canada over the past century. Many communities and organizations use the day to honor and pay tribute to Canadians who have worked hard to build the nation.

Dominion Status Day, September 26 Holiday

Dominion Status Day is celebrated each year on September 26th to commemorate the reception by the Dominion of Canada from the United Kingdom of the right to self-govern. It is a day to celebrate the fact that Canada is an independent nation and is not a colony of any other country. In Canada, it is an official holiday in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the Yukon. In New Zealand, Dominion Day is now known as Waitangi Day and is celebrated on February 6th. In both countries, this holiday provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on their national identity and heritage.

“Dominion Status Day” refers to the day a country achieved dominion status within the British Empire (and later the British Commonwealth). “Dominion” refers to a self-governing territory or nation of the British Empire. Each dominion was essentially an independent country, but they shared a common monarch with the United Kingdom.

Not all dominions had a specific “Dominion Status Day” celebration. However, the ones that did often evolved those days into other national holidays as their relationship with the UK changed or as they achieved full independence.

Here are some notable dominions and the relevant days:

1. Canada – Achieved dominion status on July 1, 1867. This day is now celebrated as “Canada Day.”
2. Australia – Became a dominion on January 1, 1901. This day is now known as “Australia Day” (although Australia Day commemorates the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet and not the establishment of the Dominion).
3. New Zealand – Became a dominion on September 26, 1907. However, New Zealand doesn’t have a specific public holiday to commemorate this. Waitangi Day on February 6th commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and serves as the country’s national day.
4. South Africa – Became the Union of South Africa, a dominion, on May 31, 1910. This day was formerly known as “Union Day,” but post-apartheid, it’s no longer a public holiday. The country’s Freedom Day on April 27th celebrates the first post-apartheid elections held in 1994.
5. Ireland – While the Irish Free State was created on December 6, 1922, as a dominion, Ireland doesn’t celebrate “Dominion Status Day.” Instead, St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th serves as a cultural and religious celebration and is a public holiday.

Other countries also achieved dominion status, but the aforementioned are some of the most notable. Over time, these dominions further distanced themselves from British governance and eventually became fully independent nations.

History of Dominion Status Day

The original Act of Parliament that created the Dominion of Canada was the British North America Act 1867, which was passed on July 1, 1867 by the United Kingdom Parliament. The Act created a federation of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The Act also declared that all parts of the British Empire, other than those already in the Commonwealth family, should be known as “Dominions”.

The term “Dominion” was initially used in reference to Canada in its 1901 Constitution Act and was officially adopted with the passage of the Statute of Westminster in 1931. This Statute gave the Dominion full legal power as a “dominion under the Crown” of the United Kingdom and effectively made it an independent country free from external interference.

The Statute also had an additional effect – it was the first law to make Canadians citizens of a sovereign nation. This made September 26th, the day the Statue of Westminster came into effect, a national holiday in Canada.

How It’s Celebrated

In Canada, Dominion Status Day is mainly celebrated with parades and gatherings. It is usually marked with speeches by government officials and flag-raising ceremonies. Many communities will also hold concerts, fireworks displays, and other events to mark the day. In Ontario, the holiday is known as “Silver Memorial Day”. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, it is known as “Return Day” and focuses on celebrations like barbecues and concerts.

In New Zealand, Waitangi Day (formerly Dominion Day) is celebrated on February 6th to recognize the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which granted New Zealanders full political rights. This holiday usually features open-air concerts, parades, and fairs throughout the nation to celebrate the nation’s birth.

Conclusion

Dominion Status Day is an important day to remember in Canadian and New Zealand history. It marks the legal transition of both countries from colonies of the United Kingdom to independent nations. It provides citizens with an opportunity to celebrate their national identity and reflect on their heritage. Furthermore, it presents a chance to come together to enjoy parades, concerts, fireworks displays, and other events to mark the day. Dominion Status Day is an important reminder of the hard-earned freedom and sovereignty of Canada and New Zealand, and is a day to be proud of the achievement of independence.

How to Say "Dominion Status Day" In Different Languages?