The Forks

Statement from the Board of Directors, Forks North Portage Partnership

Controversy has arisen over the plans for a reimagined Canada Day at the Forks. This new day of programming, developed by management and fully supported by the Board of Directors, represents Canada Day as a new and important day where everyone can participate in many rich multicultural experiences throughout the site that reflect our diverse city and our country.

The Forks never intended to minimize or eliminate the idea of Canada Day but use it as an opportunity to reimagine how we recognize and celebrate the day together. It is a celebration of The Forks as a historic gathering place, combined with many accessible ways for everyone to learn about our past and how we can continue to build a better country for the future. We are all very mindful that the name came into being after Canada patriated its constitution and adopted the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which entrenched equality and Indigenous rights into the supreme law of Canada.

We’ve paused fireworks this year, and that decision will be reviewed for 2023. We are mindful that this nation’s ideal is a work in process that requires reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and an ongoing commitment to the cultural fabric that makes Canada such a unique and evolving country. This is consistent with the mandate of The Forks North Portage Partnership, and we encourage all to join us in this journey together.

For more infomation on programming go to https://www.theforks.com/events/calendar-of-events/list/2022/7/1