Manitobans will be taking in Canada Day festivities for the first time in nearly two years.
The 2020 and 2021 celebrations were either done on a small scale or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the most popular events that takes place at The Forks is being renamed as “New Day at The Forks” to reflect the impacts colonialism has on Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Events started at 8 a.m., which included a morning ceremony led by Elders Wanbdi Wakita and Pahan Pte San Win in Oodena.
Numerous pop-up events will be held throughout the day as well, including hands-on activities, music, theatre and dance.
Most of the events at The Forks will run until about 5 p.m. and no fireworks will take place this year.
A residential school survivor felt it was important to come out to the events.
“That’s why I come here for the memory of my mom who suffered so much, so silently. She never talked about it, but once in a while she would and she would cry. And we didn’t understand her pain till now,” said Christina Linklater.
Christina is happy to see the healing process take place.
“I’m happy that we’re all coming together to support one another, to heal together, and to understand where we’re coming from, too.”
Some people have also noticed the changes at The Forks this year.
“I noticed some people wearing orange colours, like the every child matters shirts. Last couple of years most of them are wearing white and red t-shirts,” said Elizabeth Panganiban, who has been coming to the The Forks for Canada Day since 2009.
Other celebrations are taking place at Assiniboine Park’s Lyric Theatre, St. Norbert, Tyndall Park and Assiniboia Downs.
Fireworks will take place at the Assiniboina Down and Tyndall Park gatherings. They are expected to get underway at about 10:30 p.m.
Towns outside of the provincial capital are holding Canada Day celebrations, including fireworks in Portage la Prairie and Brandon.
You can find more Canada Day celebrations by clicking the link here.
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