‘Om the Bridge’ was a great idea in the wrong place. Part of an international initiative to have people around the world practising yoga, with a view to improving health, the plan quickly created a backlash from First Nations groups and fellow Vancouverites.
British Columbia Premier, Christy Clark had been an enthusiastic supporter of the event that would have closed a major bridge in the west-coast city. But after thousands of people complained about the expense (approximately $150,000 Cdn) and the inconvenience, sponsors, such as Lulu Lemon and YYoga. began to have second thoughts about the location.
“Only in Vancouver!”
Aboriginal groups felt disrespected as June 21st is their National Day. “I just find it sort of a slap in the face, she doesn’t even recognize National Aboriginal Day” an unidentified First Nations woman told CBC News. Aboriginal people had been making plans to protest with flash mobs at bridges and possibly other closures.
In a statement Friday afternoon, B.C. Premier Christy Clark said “Om the Bridge” had been created with “the very best of intentions” but those had been overshadowed by politics.
“Unfortunately, the focus of the proposed Burrard Street Bridge event has drifted towards politics — getting in the way of the spirit of community and inner reflection,” the statement reads.
Earlier in the day she had tweeted, “Yoga Day is a great opportunity to celebrate peace and harmony — it’s not about politics. I don’t intend to participate,”
The day before, in an attempt at humour, the Premier tweeted “Hey yoga haters – bet you can’t wait for international tai chi day,” It was accompanied by a photo that shows the premier standing in front of a tai chi studio. ‘Only in Vancouver’ was the response of many Canadians.
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