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Part of Indigenous culture

National Indigenous History Month

Learn about the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations and Métis people and the Inuit.

Overview

People in Canada celebrate National Indigenous History Month every June and recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. These are great opportunities to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples, to learn about their histories, cultures and ways of life.

Join the celebrations this June by attending special events in Alberta. Also continue reaching out through the year to build stronger relationships and greater understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Learn about Indigenous Peoples

Use the following resources to learn about Indigenous Peoples:

  • Empowering the Spirit includes educational resources to deepen understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and ways of knowing. The resources are the result of collaboration between Alberta Education and the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium. 
  • New.LearnAlberta.ca (français) and LearnAlberta (français) offer educational resources related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives, histories and experiences, including residential schools and Treaties. Resources correlate to Alberta’s new kindergarten to Grade 6 curriculum and Alberta’s programs of study.
  • The Blackfoot Digital Library has information about Blackfoot people and culture. The site contains images, audio, videos and documents collected during the past century.

Also consider local Indigenous community resources that may be available through a local Native Friendship Centre, or First Nation or Métis local office.

Events

  • Banff

    National Indigenous Peoples Day events

    Date: June 1 to 30, 2024
    Time: Various (see website)
    Location: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (107 Tunnel Mountain Drive)
    Description: Events include a virtual art market, a storytelling session, dance workshop, cultural learning circle and an online film screening.
    Learn more about the event.

    National Indigenous Peoples Day music concert featuring Jah’kota

    Date: June 21, 2024
    Time: 7:30 pm
    Location: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Jenny Belzberg Theatre (107 Tunnel Mountain Drive)
    Description: The public is invited to this free evening of music with Jah’kota, an Afro-Indigenous hip-hop R&B artist.
    Learn more about the event.

  • Calgary

    Voices of the Future – In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day

    Date: June 21, 2024
    Time: 11 am to 2 pm
    Location: The Ampersand – Mezzanine level (144 4 Avenue SW)
    Description: Professionals are invited to network at this inaugural event to further their education on working with Indigenous peoples. An educational film screening and drumming performance will take place and local Indigenous artisans will exhibit their wares.
    Learn more about the event.

    National Indigenous Family Day and powwow

    Date: June 16 to 22, 2024
    Time: 9 am to 6 pm
    Location: ENMAX Park, Elbow River Camp, Calgary Stampede Grounds (downtown Calgary in the Culture and Entertainment District, SE of downtown Calgary along Macleod Trail between 12 Avenue SE and 25 Avenue SE and next to the Victoria Park or Stampede C-Train station.)
    Description: Enjoy a pancake breakfast, an Indigenous arts and crafts market, Indigenous Idol performance, a variety of exhibitions, a barbecue, handgame tournament and traditional powwow.
    Learn more about the event.

    National Indigenous History Month: Secret Path with Mike Downie

    Date: June 15, 2024
    Time: 7 pm to 8:30 pm
    Location: Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall (800 3 Street SE)
    Description: Through Mike and Gord Downie’s book “Secret Path,” Mike Downie will explore the history of residential schools in Canada and help people understand the importance of reconciliation and the need for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to work together.
    Learn more about the event.

  • Cochrane

    Indigenous Family Storytime with Elder Terry Daniels

    Date: June 8, 2024
    Time: 2 pm to 3 pm
    Location: Cochrane Public Library (405 Railway Street West)
    Description: Enjoy storytelling and a beading craft project with Cochrane Public Library and Stoney Nakoda First Nation Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Terry Daniels.
    Learn more about the event.

    Threads of Tradition: Indigenous storytelling and medicine pouch workshop

    Date: June 10, 2024
    Time: 1 pm to 2 pm
    Location: Cochrane Public Library (405 Railway Street West)
    Description: Families and children of 6 to 10 years old are invited to celebrate National Indigenous History Month with Judy and Elle from Momma Moon Journeys Indigenous Experiences. Attendees will hear Indigenous stories and have an opportunity to craft their own medicine pouch.
    Learn more about the event.

  • Edmonton

    City of Edmonton event listings

    Date: Various (See website)
    Time: Various (See website)
    Location: Various (See website)
    Description: The City of Edmonton is listing special events different organizations are hosting across Edmonton for National Indigenous History Month. 
    Learn more about the events.

    Connect with our roots and National Indigenous History Month launch

    Date: June 1, 2024
    Time: 10 am to 12:30 pm
    Location: 210 Dunvegan Road NW
    Description: In partnership with Edmonton’s Root for Trees program, the city is celebrating Indigenous culture and ‘connecting with our roots’ by hosting an event to support community learning about how Indigenous knowledge connects with nature, including the native species we have on Treaty Six Territory. The public is invited to this event that includes a tree planting and Indigenous-led performances and activities.
    Learn more about the event.

    National Indigenous Peoples Day at TWOSE

    Date: June 21, 2024
    Time: 8 am to 2 pm, various drop-in programming times
    Location: Telus World of Science (11211 142 Street NW)
    Description: The public is invited to attend a special event and various exhibits to celebrate and recognize the culture and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples who would traditionally steward the lands of amiskwaciy-wâskahikan, Beaver Hills House (Edmonton). The event includes a teepee raising, smudge ceremony, lighting of a traditional oil lamp that Artic people traditionally use, a vendors market, storytelling and more.

  • Fort Macleod

    National Indigenous Peoples Day

    Date: June 21, 2024
    Time: 10 am to 5 pm
    Location: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (18 km or 15 minutes north and west of Fort Macleod on secondary Highway #785) 
    Description: Learn more about the Blackfoot people and how they hunted the mighty buffalo.
    Learn more about the event.

  • Lethbridge

    Indigenous Peoples Day

    Date: June 21, 2024
    Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
    Location: Fort Whoop-Up (200 Indian Battle Road South)
    Description: Guests are invited to take a walk through the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) Gallery, listen to Napi stories by Blanche Bruised Head, and enjoy crafts, vendors, food trucks, an immersive video experience and an Elder’s Blessing.
    Learn more about the event.

    National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations

    Date: June 21, 2024
    Time: 12 pm to 7 pm
    Location: Galt Gardens (601 3 Avenue S)
    Description: Attendees will hear guest speakers, Indigenous bands, dancers and drummers. Elders will be present. A youth blanket exercise will be offered throughout the day. The event will also feature an artisan market and concession stand.
    Learn more about the event.

  • Medicine Hat

    National Indigenous Peoples Day 2021

    Date: June 21, 2024
    Time: TBD
    Location: Kin Park (between Allowance Avenue SE and Tractor Avenue SE)
    Description: This event includes a powwow demonstration and teepee display, face painting and food trucks. Bring a chair or blanket and dress for the weather. 
    Learn more about the event.

  • Strathcona County

    Indigenous Knowledge Keepers in Residence Series

    Date: June 1 to 26, 2024
    Time: Various 
    Location: Various
    Description: Strathcona Public Library will host various events, including teachings about gardening using Indigenous ways, Métis finger weaving, storytelling for children, learning about Indigenous medicines, sharing the importance of sage and smudging, and learning about the significance of dandelion tea. 
    Learn more about the event.

  • Sylvan Lake

    National Indigenous Peoples Day

    Date: June 21, 2024
    Time: 12 am to 11:55 pm
    Location: Sylvan Lake, AB
    Description: The public is invited to participate in a variety of activities involving foraging tours, cultural crafts, storytelling, traditional dances and games, and making bannock.
    Learn more about the event.

  • Whitecourt

    National Indigenous Peoples Day

    Date: June 21, 2024
    Time: 7 pm to 9:30 pm
    Location: Allan and Jean Millar Centre (58 Sunset Boulevard)
    Description: Celebrate the unique cultures of Canada's First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Métis Country will be playing live music, spotlight dance prizes will be awarded and snacks will be provided.
    Learn more about the event.

  • Virtual

    Augustana Indigenous Speakers Series for children and educators

    Date: June 19, 2024
    Time: 10 am and 1 pm
    Location: Virtual
    Description: The University of Alberta is welcoming children and educators to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with Lance Cardinal. Attendees are invited to join the event as they engage in reconciliation in a welcoming and affirming space.
    Learn more about the event.

Contact

Connect with us if you have a 2024 event you would like to highlight:
Email: [email protected].

Related

Government of Canada – National Indigenous Peoples Day