St. John’s Days Discontinued

St. John's City Council has decided to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 as opposed to St. John’s Days.

Council and staff are encouraging residents of the City to find ways to celebrate the rich and diverse histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador keeping COVID-19 protocols in mind.

St. John’s Days has traditionally been closely associated with the historic landing of John Cabot on the island of Newfoundland in 1497. For this reason, the celebration of St. John’s Days has also typically coincided with the provincial holiday formerly known as ‘Discovery Day’.

A statement from the City says that "Council and staff recognize the inherent contradiction of holding such celebrations on a colonial holiday."

The City voted to no longer recognize ‘Discovery Day’ in 2018.