Thousands flock to The Forks to celebrate Canada Day in Winnipeg
CBC
Thousands of people flocked to The Forks in Winnipeg for Canada Day celebrations on Tuesday.
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."
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