Assiniboine Park hosts Indigenous Peoples Day events despite rain

Assiniboine Park hosted several events and activities to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on Sunday. (Zach Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)

The threat of rain showers and thunderstorms didn’t stop Assiniboine Park from celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Inclement weather forced Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) to move several events and activities indoors including powwow demonstrations and beading workshops.

“Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous Peoples Month is a really important time for us,” Joy Balmana, APC’s director of community and special events, told CTV News Winnipeg. “We need to recognize our histories and also how to move forward. And artistry is a part of that. Joy is a part of that.”

Other parts of the afternoon-long celebration – including food trucks and bouncy castles – were cancelled because of the weather.

However, Balmana said there are plenty of other events happening at the park this summer including Canada Day celebrations.

“We’re really encouraging people to come see our free music, entertainment, our wellness programming, our movies — all free, here at the park all summer long,” said Balmana.