June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. It’s a time to celebrate, honour and learn more about our history and culture! Events take place throughout the month of June, but here’s what’s happening around Alberta in the next week or so…
National Indigenous Peoples Day Events in Alberta:
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Edmonton & Area
On June 20th there will be dancing, drumming and more at City Centre Mall and a Cultural Showcase highlighting Indigenous Arts and dances at the Edmonton International Airport. On June 21st there will be a full day celebration of First Nation, Metis and Inuit culture with arts and crafts, and a free BBQ lunch at the Enoch Park Cree Pow Wow Grounds as well as an evening celebration at the Leduc Cultural Village. Be sure to check out the Art Gallery of Alberta that day as well for free admission and special workshops. If you are a morning person, there will also be a free pancake breakfast and festivities at Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society on the 21st. June 22 the celebrations continue at the Edmonton Expo Centre for the Edmonton’s Indigenous Peoples Festival with a Pow Wow, displays and interactive stations, an artisan marketplace and food trucks!
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Calgary & Area
June 20th at the Arts Common in Calgary there will be Indigenous drumming, dancing and singing as well as a mini Pow Wow. Stop by Heritage Park Historical Village on June 21st for cultural performances, activities and a free concert; or head to the Calgary Stampede grounds later that day for the University of Calgary’s celebration which will include storytelling from Traditional Knowledge Keepers. Head to Fort Calgary on June 22 for a free pancake breakfast, children’s corner, craft vendors, and a Pow Wow.
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Jasper
On June 21st at the Jasper National Park Information Centre Lawn there will be samples of bannock and bush tea, traditional dancers, drummers and crafts.
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Lethbridge
Visit the Southern Alberta Art Gallery on June 21st for free admission and special programming.
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Fort MacLeod
If you are south of Calgary on June 21st be sure to stop in at the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site for guided facility tours, food sampling, and Blackfoot elders sharing stories of the plains buffalo culture.
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Northern Alberta
In Whitecourt on June 21st at the Rotary Park there will be dance, music, food and history to celebrate the day. At the Bonnyville & District and Centennial Centre there will be a community BBQ, Elders Pipe Ceremony, Indigenous artisans and dancers, dignitaries address as well as fun activities for children. Also on June 21st in Fort McMurray at the McMurray Metis Office Grounds there will be a variety of activities including opening ceremonies, live entertainment, kids activities, vendors and a BBQ.
For a full list of events, times and locations head to the Government of Alberta National Indigenous People’s Day Celebrations webpage here.
Kim Ouellette is a Co-Founder of Alberta Mamas and an Edmonton Realtor with Schmidt Realty Group. She is a wife, mom, daughter, friend and adventure seeker who loves to explore Alberta and beyond. Connect with her at kim@weselledmonton.com
