Forks is taking a new approach to the July 1 celebrations.
Months of Indigenous roundtable discussions with community members, newcomers and young people led to their decision to redesign what Canada Day might look like at the national historic site.
“At that time last year, all the news about the discovery of unmarked graves just made us really think about what celebrating a colonial milestone means for so many people in our community,” said Sarah Stasiuk, CEO of The Forks.
Thousands across the country refused to celebrate Canada Day in 2021 and instead chose to spend the day honoring the thousands of children who were forced to attend boarding schools.
In Winnipeg, two large rallies created a sea of orange shirts in the city center.
Winnipeg is usually a sea of red and white on Canada Day. Last year, Winnipeggers took to the streets in crowds dressed in orange to remember the children who died in schools. (Andrew Freesen / CBC)
As searches of housing schools continue across the country, Stasiuk says he still feels inappropriate to celebrate the colonial holiday.
“News of the atrocities committed under this banner continues to come. So celebrating without acknowledging the breadth of our community and the impact it can have, we just didn’t feel responsible, “she said.
The inaugural event, called New Day, will be an opportunity to gather with the intention of sharing what they have learned from their community engagement sessions and bringing people together to learn and celebrate, according to a press release.
During the engagement process, the general response from community members was that they expected The Forks to be a safe, interesting and vibrant public space. Stasiuk said that this mood has become a key inspiration for the creation of the new event.
“There was a lot of interest in intercultural understanding and storytelling and, you know, the traditional dance and music festivals,” she said.
Family activities, including football and basketball tournaments, pau-wow dances, drums, craft stations and performances by theater groups and musicians, will take place throughout the day.
Specialized spaces, led by locals for ceremonies and healing, will be held at Oodena and The Gathering Space in Niizhoziibean.
CN Field will include food trucks, games, a valet for bicycles and tents for storytelling.
Stasiuk knows that some people will be disappointed with the changes in The Forks’ July 1 program, including the lack of fireworks. She hopes that those present will leave the event renewed and inspired by the tradition, art, talent and culture that exist in Winnipeg.
“Because of our location and the role we play in the community, it was really important for us to be respectful and offer something that was engaging,” she said.
More details about the program of the event can be found on the website of The Forks.
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