The Forks on Canada Day will be a different kind of celebration this year. (THE FORKS / DOCUMENT)
In what is traditionally known as Winnipeg’s biggest Canada Day celebration, Forks says this year will be different.
If the past two years of the pandemic weren’t different enough given gathering restrictions and other public health orders, this July 1 will see The Forks take a fresh approach to celebrating Canada’s birthday.
“A New Day at The Forks” comes after months of roundtables to hear from the community, especially Indigenous peoples, newcomers and youth, about what Canada Day might look like at The Forks.
“We are humbled and grateful for the honesty and vulnerability that has been shared over the past few months as we explore how to move forward with July 1 at The Forks,” said Sara StasiukCEO, Forks North Portage Partnership.
“We recognize the anger and pain that Indigenous communities feel, and we know we have a role to play in the healing process. We start by listening to what we have heard and offering a day focused on sharing space, telling stories and building understanding. This is just the beginning, and something we will continue to develop with the support of the community.
Officials say the day will present a culturally rich opportunity to come together in an effort to acknowledge what they have heard from these discussions, while bringing people together to learn from each other and celebrate community connectedness.
Audiences will have the opportunity to take part in rich multicultural experiences, with family-friendly activities including soccer and basketball tournaments, powwow dancers, drummers, craft stations, theatrical performances and live music from local artists.
The CN Land will be the site of food trucks, storytelling tents, site tours, games, a bike valet and other activities.
The fireworks will not take place this year, but will be reassessed for 2023, says The Forks.
A calendar of events and times is available at TheForks.com.
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