An outdoor space and place to gather has been completed and can now be enjoyed by everyone in the heart of Winnipeg.

Clare MacKay is the Executive Director of The Forks Foundation and Vice President of Strategic Incentives.

The wiigiwaam or lodge has been up at The Forks and functional since June 1 with a sunrise ceremony, led by Indigenous elders. 

"It's ready. There are a few improvements that need to be made and the grass is still growing but it's ready for everyone to enjoy now."

The gathering space is located across the pedestrian bridge by The Forks Marketplace. 

"We've improved the pathways there, improved the lighting, added additional planting, and there are two major pieces of public art."

As for the space itself, the area holds elements from around the province. 

"It's really important for us to work authentically. The tree poles that are within the wiigiwaam came from Northern Manitoba. The stones came from Southern Manitoba. We're taking these traditional elements, trying to remain true to the site."

The stones in this space form a turtle when viewed from above, in connection to Turtle Island, what many Indigenous people call North America. 

"The entire space is Indigenous-led. With advisors like Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, Dr. Julie Nagam, and the overall project has been taken on by different construction firms and architectural firms."

While the space has come a long way, there are plans to continue adding to this area.

"The final pieces of the puzzle will be a bush gallery which will include lookouts into a forested area and three major artworks. We're planning on starting construction of that space next year."

Related Stories