Thousands flock to The Forks to celebrate Canada Day in Winnipeg
Winnipeggers were joined by visitors from across the country and continent to take part in the family-friendly events, which ran from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. CT on Tuesday.
The programming included dance battles, a skateboard demonstration from Píhtikwé Skatepark, a basketball tournament with Winnipeg Sea Bears, animal exhibits with FortWhyte Alive, musical performances, and a handmade market, among other activities.
Jessica Drakul, who is originally from Newfoundland but now calls Winnipeg home, said The Forks is "the place to be on Canada Day."
"I feel like today is a wonderful day to celebrate all the things that we have managed to make true in this country. When you come to The Forks, you're also celebrating the Indigenous history of this country, which is so important," Drakul said.
According to The Forks, the celebration has been given the name Wáhkóhtowin by Two-Spirit Kokum Charlotte Nolin. Nolin said the name reflects the importance of kinship and mutual responsibilities to care for one another.
Red River Métis lawyer Victoria Perrie has been working to bring Indigenous events to the Forks for the Many Nations, One Heartbeat program that ran for the 11 days between National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and Canada Day on Tuesday.
"What we've been doing is celebrating all of the different people who live in what is now called Manitoba," Perrie said.
Perrie said each day of the program highlighted a different treaty region within the province, celebrating the local people, culture and lands. She said the series culminated on July 1, celebrating all the newcomers who call these lands home.
"Being Canadian to me means being able to relate to one another in a good way and being welcoming to all people. Being Canadian today means being Indigenous and being a part of the wider fabric of Canada," Perrie said.
Patience Tokulak-Mai Moussa, who moved from Nigeria to Winnipeg more than 20 years ago, said she loves the freedom and safety of living in Manitoba.
"This is our home," she said at The Forks on Tuesday, after visiting the Royal Canadian Mint.
"We're proud Canadians."
Michele Montgomery and Tim Montgomery, who were visiting Winnipeg from Texas, told CBC News they feel like "closet Canadians."
The American couple has spent every Canada Day in Winnipeg for the past three years, driving for two days with their dogs and bicycles to enjoy the cooler weather compared to their scorching Dallas summers.
"We want to support Canada and we just love it here," said Michele. "I feel more at peace here."
"We love your country and don't take it for granted because it's a wonderful, wonderful place to be," said Tim, adding they secretly cheered for the Jets in their playoff series against the Stars.
Welcome ceremony for Gazan families
People visiting The Forks for Canada Day had the chance to enjoy live music all day long.
Leonard Sumner, who is from Little Saskatchewan First Nation, said that as a First Nations performer, he didn't grow up celebrating Canada Day.
But when he was asked to perform at The Forks, he thought it was a great opportunity to officially welcome two families that were displaced by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and came to Winnipeg for medical care.
"I've organized a little ceremony to welcome them to our community and do a little blanket ceremony and just let them know that they're welcome here by the First Nations people," Sumner said.
In January, provincial officials welcomed an 11-year-old boy who could not get the medical care he needed due to the conflict. In May, a second child from Gaza arrived to access life-changing medical care in the province.
"I just wanted to make them feel welcome and welcome them to their new home, which is a part of our territory," he said.
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