Orderly Dissent: A Calgary Story

G7 Week in Calgary, where flags were raised and voices heard, all quietly, respectfully and firmly

Photography and reflections by Sean Bell

During the G7 Summit, downtown Calgary became a small but potent stage for voices of global dissent. From advocates of Khalistan independence to supporters of Palestinian lives, protestors gathered peacefully in front of Calgary's Municipal Plaza. These weren’t loud, angry clashes; they were calm, deliberate demonstrations of belief. The police were present but unagitated. Protestors stood firm but peaceful. And the city, rather than bracing for unrest, seemed to exhale and listen.

This photo essay documents what I witnessed. Not the tension we often expect from protest, not of current LA scenes, but the quiet grace of a Canadian city allowing space for disagreement. It is about coexistence, respect, and the freedom to be seen and heard. It’s about being Canadian, period.

As a photographer and citizen, I hold deep respect for the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. While I personally feel deep concern about the suffering in Gaza, I approached this work with the intention to observe with care, remain thoughtful and open, and represent all voices with fairness. I value the space our society allows for people to stand up and be counted. Equally, I want to acknowledge the professionalism and calm presence of the Calgary Police Service, RCMP, and all the supporting agencies who helped ensure the G7 events and surrounding demonstrations were conducted with safety, dignity, and respect. Calgary showed what peaceful civic life can look like.

A Quiet Stage

Flags of Khalistan protestors at Calgary Municipal Plaza.

Shared Voices, Different Causes

Khalsa colours fill the square, marking a call for an independent Punjab.

Symbols and Sentiment

A symbolic cardboard effigy of Indian PM Modi draws protest focus. Note, the flipflops / sandals have a cultural significance in SE Asian cultures, with a clear message.

Watching, Not Intervening

Calgary Police watch calmly. No riot gear. No lines.

Protest, Embedded in Daily Life

Police unit in Stephen Avenue. Just another day, but then not.

A Message Raised

A lone sign. A powerful message. Quietly held high.

Youth and Resolve

Young faces, flags, and discussion. The Gaza protest builds presence.

The Quiet Guardians

Stillness and posture. Officers frame the scene without interfering.

The Names on Paper

Two children, a heartbreaking reality.

When the Noise Settles

Back alleys, reflections, empty streets. Calgary is a place where peace and tension can live together.

Final Thought

In a world growing louder with division, this day in Calgary reminded me that protest doesn’t have to roar. It can speak. It can stand. It can breathe. And when it does, we all see more clearly what freedom really looks like.

Author's Note

As someone who sees the world through both a lens and a conscience, I approach this kind of work with empathy, curiosity and care. While I have personal views, including very deep concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, my role here was not to persuade but to document. This project was about bearing quiet witness to what Calgary made possible, and telling its story through pictures: peaceful protest, open expression and a city that held space for diverse voices. I’m grateful to those who made that possible including the concerned citizens of Calgary, and the professionals who helped ensure it all happened with dignity and respect.

If my work struck a chord, don’t be shy; act on it.