True north, strong and free Thousands gather at the Manitoba legislature to show what it means to be Canadian

Thousands gathered in front of the Manitoba legislature Sunday afternoon to celebrate what it means to be Canadian. Free Press staff photographer John Woods was at the Rally for Canada event to capture the spirit of the event.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/04/2025 (508 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Thousands gathered in front of the Manitoba legislature Sunday afternoon to celebrate what it means to be Canadian. Free Press staff photographer John Woods was at the Rally for Canada event to capture the spirit of the event.

Adam Hannah waved his flag at the legislative grounds for the Rally For Canada event, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (John Woods / Free Press)
Adam Hannah waved his flag at the legislative grounds for the Rally For Canada event, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (John Woods / Free Press)
Thousand of people gathered at the legislative grounds. (John Woods / Free Press)
Thousand of people gathered at the legislative grounds. (John Woods / Free Press)
Attendees were treated to performances by Indigenous community dancers, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and Fred Penner. (John Woods / Free Press)
Attendees were treated to performances by Indigenous community dancers, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and Fred Penner. (John Woods / Free Press)
Canadian patriotic pride was everywhere at the rally. (John Woods / Free Press)
Canadian patriotic pride was everywhere at the rally. (John Woods / Free Press)
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew was present at the rally meeting and greeting the public. (John Woods / Free Press)
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew was present at the rally meeting and greeting the public. (John Woods / Free Press)
Barbara, from left, Sylvia, Edward, Nicki, John showed off their pride for the event. (John Woods / Free Press)
Barbara, from left, Sylvia, Edward, Nicki, John showed off their pride for the event. (John Woods / Free Press)
Cheryl Wozniak displayed her flag during the rally. (John Woods / Free Press)
Cheryl Wozniak displayed her flag during the rally. (John Woods / Free Press)
Canadian sovereignty was never in question as protestors rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's desire to have Canada become the 51st state. (John Woods / Free Press)
Canadian sovereignty was never in question as protestors rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's desire to have Canada become the 51st state. (John Woods / Free Press)
Mr. Richard and Hudson came dressed for the occasion. (John Woods / Free Press)
Mr. Richard and Hudson came dressed for the occasion. (John Woods / Free Press)
Premier Wab Kinew spoke with protestors during the rally. (John Woods / Free Press)
Premier Wab Kinew spoke with protestors during the rally. (John Woods / Free Press)
Spirit Sands Dancers were one of the numerous performers who took to the stage. (John Woods / Free Press)
Spirit Sands Dancers were one of the numerous performers who took to the stage. (John Woods / Free Press)
Premier Wab Kinew spoke passionately about being Canadian.(John Woods / Free Press)
Premier Wab Kinew spoke passionately about being Canadian.(John Woods / Free Press)

John Woods
Photojournalist

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