THUNDER BAY – Fort William Historical Park celebrated Canada Day by allowing people to remember, learn and engage, on Monday.
Patrick Morash, general manager of Fort William Historical Park, said the park staff emphasize that the park both today and historically took the celebration of multiple cultures very seriously.
“It's something that's very important to the park.
“Today you'll see a celebration of Scottish culture, Indigenous culture and French-Canadian culture as well,” he said.
The park was full of people enjoying the day and what Fort William Historical Park has to offer.
There's certainly lots of food to be had, Morash said.
“There's plenty of music, dancing and singing. There are lots of games for kids of all ages.
“There's canoe rides, there's really something for everybody to take in.”
There were activities for everyone to try at the park. Axe throwing, firing a musket, baggataway (lacrosse) and crafting are just a few of the hands-on activities that were available.
Fort William Historical Park also offered demonstrations like sheep shearing and skills on the Anishinaabe.
Morash said it was very exciting to see the turn out. Within only a few hours of being open there were already hundreds of people attending, he said.
“It's been a really good spring and early summer already. To see this many people out here so early on Canada Day is really quite encouraging. We're very happy about that.”
Morash predicted that they will end up with somewhere around 1,000 people by the end of the day.
“It's a great opportunity to come out and sample the food from our new caterer.
“They have a special menu today and there's lot of good food available there,” he said
The Cantine Restaurant, now catered by The Chanterelle, offered an assortment of meals and snacks.
Morash said Canada Day gives an opportunity to remind people of the importance of all cultures. It allows for education on culture, and provides opportunities to learn.
“Fort William Historical Park, in a modern way and historically, really focused and was successful based on the multicultural melding of French-Canadians, Indigenous and Scottish cultures.
