The Forks turns page on Canada Day celebrations, announces new, inclusive event without fireworks

The Forks is taking a new approach to July 1 celebrations this year.

Months of Indigenous-led roundtable discussions with community members, newcomers and youth led to their decision to reshape what Canada Day could look like at the national historic site.

"This time last year … all of the news of the discoveries of unmarked graves just made us really think about what celebrating a colonial milestone means to so many people in our community," said Sara Stasiuk, CEO of The Forks.

Thousands of people across the country opted out of celebrating Canada Day in 2021, and instead chose to spend the day to honour the thousands of children who were forced to attend residential schools.

In Winnipeg, two large rallies created a sea of orange shirts in the downtown area. 

While searches of residential school grounds continue across the country, Stasiuk says it still feels inappropriate to celebrate the colonial holiday.

"News just keeps on coming about the atrocities that occurred under that flag. And so having a celebration without recognizing the breadth of our community, and the impact that can have, just didn't feel responsible," she said.

The inaugural event called "A New Day" will be an opportunity for gathering with the intent to share what was learned from their community engagement sessions and bringing people together to learn and celebrate, according to a news release.

During the engagement process, a common response from community members was that they expect The Forks to be a safe, interesting and vibrant public space. Stasiuk said this sentiment became a key inspiration for the creation of the new event.

"There was a lot of interest in cross-cultural understanding and storytelling and, you know, traditional celebrations of dance and music," she said.

Family-friendly activities, including soccer and basketball tournaments, pow-wow dancing, drumming, craft stations and performances by theatre groups and musicians, will be held all day.

Dedicated Indigenous-led spaces for ceremonies and healing will be held at Oodena and The Gathering Space at Niizhoziibean. 

CN Field will feature food trucks, games, a bike valet and storytelling tents.

Stasiuk knows that some people will be disappointed by the changes in The Forks' July 1 programming, including the lack of fireworks. She hopes that attendees leave the event reinvigorated and inspired by the tradition, art, talent and culture that exists in Winnipeg.

"Because of our location and because of the role that we play in community, it was really important for us to be respectful and offer something that is engaging," she said.

More details about the event's programming can be found on The Forks website.