The Forks, a popular tourist attraction in Winnipeg, has announced it's rebranding its Canada Day celebrations to "A New Day" and will forgo the traditional firework presentation. ."We are reimagining a Canada Day, a new day, that includes a reflective, inclusive and fun day for everyone to come together," said a statement on The Forks website. .Some Winnipeggers aren't happy with the rebrand which will focus on more indigenous and multicultural-themed activities. .The festivities will include a "morning ceremony led by Elders Wanbdi Wakita and Pahan Pte San Win in Oodena, with additional pipe ceremonies held throughout the day."."Both Oodena and The Gathering Space at Niizhoziibean will be maintained as quiet spaces for healing, with indigenous-led music, dance, and sacred fires. The last ceremony will be held at supper time.".In the wake of the controversy, The Forks published a statement on its website addressing the issue on Friday. ."Controversy has arisen over the plans for a reimagined Canada Day at The Forks," said the statement.."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.".The statement said the fireworks were paused this year, but did not indicate why, and said the decision will be reviewed for 2023. .Jenny Motkaluk, a candidate for Winnipeg's October mayoral election, posted a tweet on Monday advising she will be "proudly celebrating Canada's birthday because I love my country unconditionally." ."I guess I can't do that at The Forks because I've recently learned that it's cancelled.".Her post led to a firestorm of hateful replies insisting the candidate had lost their vote or support in the coming municipal election. ."Well then, glad to know where you stand on Reconciliation," replied KoKo Jones..Another tweeted, "Wow, not a very good mayoral candidate for sure, a new beginning with reconciliation front and centre and she decides that isn't appropriate." .Twitter user @yaksisoba tweeted a drawing of RCMP, Catholic priests and nuns tearing indigenous children out of the arms of their mothers and said, "Pictured: Jenny's plans for Canada Day.."Wow ... just so many wrong things here ... good to see that I can scratch your name off the list of people I will vote for," replied Greg Scheelar. .In contrast, dozens of supporters tweeted their replies in support of Motkaluk.."The Forks has joined the 'There must be no fun or joy allowed club,' said @strawberrysnow in response. .Another Twitter user, @WlcmToTheJungle, said, "It's called Canada Day. Remember???" ."As a Veteran I'm completely insulted by this at The Forks," replied Mark Mymko, adding, "It's a celebration of our nation, if you haven't served Her [it's] probably meaningless to you." .Peoples Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier took exception to the rebrand and referred to it as "Cancel culture's new target: Canada Day" on a Twitter post. ."Winnipeg's The Forks renames Canada Day celebrations 'A New Day,' he tweeted. .Motkaluk told the National Post on Thursday she was "really upset" when she found out the Canada Day celebrations were being rebranded. ."We're all Canadians," she said, "And to me, the cancellation of Canada Day was a very divisive act. And I think that Canadians more than ever need to be looking to the things that unify us." .She said she didn't take issue with the update to the programming of The Forks event, but said, "It's about the fact that they felt that we couldn't call it Canada Day anymore, right?"."It's not 'A New Day,' it's Canada Day, and we will be celebrating the 155th anniversary of our great nation," tweeted Canada Proud.
