Winnipeg puts spotlight on Indigenous culture during Canada Day celebrations

Assiniboine Park is celebrating Canada Day on July 1st, though an emphasis is being made on celebrating diversity and culture after consultations with an indigenous advisory council. Mike Albanese has more.

By Mike Albanese

Canada Day events continue to look different this year across Winnipeg.

Assiniboine Park celebrations will stick to the Canada Day theme, but are being led by consultation with Indigenous peoples.

“What we’re trying to do on Canada Day is create an event that’s welcoming to all,” said Laura Cabak, the director of public relations and communications for Assiniboine Park. “And of course ‘all’ includes acknowledging our Indigenous communities and all they have to offer.”

“Canada Day means different things to different people, and what we’re hearing is for some folks in our Indigenous communities, it’s a painful reminder of traumatic things in the past and present.

“There are some important conversations happening around that and what that means for Canada Day. We’ve been engaged in those conversations and will continue to listen and learn.”

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Assiniboine Park celebrations will open with a blessing from a Grandfather Knowledge Keeper, and the day’s entertainment will feature Indigenous dancers and singers.

There will also be diverse groups from across the country, including African drumming and dancing by Drum Cafe.

“It aligns really well with what we’re all about, which is bringing people together from different backgrounds,” said Mark Tisdale, a performer with Drum Café. “Connecting with each other, listening, interacting in an understanding way, an open way, a non-judgmental way is really what it’s all about.”

Event organizers at Assiniboine Park say part of the day is designed to learn more about Canada’s history and Indigenous culture, to help shape how July 1 is celebrated in the future.

“Over in the new Indigenous peoples garden, in the park we will have a sacred fire keeper and the opportunity for visitors to make a tobacco offering and include some reflection into their own Canada Day activities,” said Cabak.

July 1 gathering renamed ‘A New Day’

While Assiniboine Park kept the Canada Day title, events at The Forks will be called “A New Day.”

Those changes, led by Indigenous consultation, are being perceived as a step in the right direction by residential school survivor Sue Caribou. Though she says she will still not refer to July 1 as Canada Day.

“I’m glad that we’re going to start working together and recognizing the culture, and our traditional ways for the next generation,” said Caribou.

How do Manitobans feel about the changes? 

CityNews spoke to Manitobans to see how they felt about the direction the events are taking.

“It’s still Canada Day, that’s not changing, but I like that actually they are consulting with Indigenous groups. They should.”


“A lot of people have been putting that behind them and changing, so I really agree with this.”


“We let them know they’re special, because over the past few years they probably haven’t felt like that.”


“I’m used to the way it used to be, so basically that’s what I think. It shouldn’t be changed much.”


“It’s made up of our Aboriginal population, they’re part of Canada and deserve their rightful place as well. But I think we should celebrate Canada as a country.”


“So long as people are happy and remember Canada has a good history but also a bad history, right? Comes with the good and bad.”


“I always celebrate Canada Day and as long as everyone is included and feels welcome, that’s what Canada wants for everybody right?”

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