CHARLOTTETOWN - Islanders banged on drums, buckets from home and whatever they had on hand Wednesday, as P.E.I. joined a coast-to-coast attempt to break a Guinness World Records title on Canada Day. The P.E.I. event was part of a national effort involving groups from more than 40 cities, all trying to top the record for most people performing a drum roll online at the same time. “It was really cool,” said 10-year-old Anna Strachan, who was there with her family. “It was really in sync, which I really liked.” The attempt was folded into a broader program at Victoria Park, with multicultural performances, Indigenous artisans, food vendors and family activities. “My fingers and toes are crossed,” said Julie Pellissier-Lush, co-ordinator of an Indigenous drumming group with the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors. “It would be so amazing to be able to say, ‘We’ve done this.’” The title they were chasing is already held by Canadians. In 2021, 581 people performed a drum roll online simultaneously. Charlottetown-West Royalty MLA Gordon McNeilly was one of the people leading the drumming this year. He said the moment felt even more meaningful, at a time when Canadian identity is top of mind for many. “Especially now with threats from all over the place. Especially what’s going on with the United States,” McNeilly said. “We’re Canadian. We’re proud. We’re standing up. We’re one unit.” That pride had a historic backdrop. “This is the best place to celebrate Canada Day, for sure, because this is actually the birthplace of Canada,” said Paul Nissen. But the celebration reached beyond the start of Confederation, with Mi’kmaq artisans and educators sharing crafts, books and demonstrations. “It’s important to have Indigenous people at the forefront because we were the first people of Canada… and kind of uplift and celebrate our artisans,” said Misiksk Jadis, operations support co-ordinator with Indigenous P.E.I. “It’s helpful for us so we can represent correctly and in the appropriate way.” Alongside those deep roots, newer communities were part of the picture too. Food vendors served flavours from the Philippines, Jamaica, Mexico, the Caribbean and more. “I’m Canadian and I’m also Nigerian,” said 10-year-old Thara Olukoga, who was picking up an order. “I like trying food from both places.” Organizers say Guinness will confirm later this week whether the record was broken. But for those in Charlottetown, the attempt wasn’t just about a world title, but a way to bring people together, while marking the country’s past, present and future in unison.
