Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

Every year, on June 21st, Canadians unite to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day, set during June National Indigenous History Month, is dedicated to honouring and acknowledging the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples across Canada.

Local Edmonton & Area Events

Event	Location	Date & Time	Cost
National Indigenous Peoples Day (Government of Alberta)	Edmonton City Centre 103 Avenue and 102 Street, next to the Delta Hotel	June 20 11:45am-1:15pm	Free For more on National Indigenous History Month in Alberta, visit the. Government of Alberta here.
Mill Woods WAHKOHTOWIN Family Night	Jackie Parker Park (Jackie Parker Park Pavilion) 4450 50 Street NW, Edmonton	June 20 5-7:30pm	Free
Tawâw Indigenous Market and Showcase	West Edmonton Mall’s Ice Palace 8882 170 Street NW	June 20-21 10am-9pm	Free
An Indigenous Peoples Day Market	Grow Centre and Teaching Space (Basement) 10516 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton	June 21-23 Noon-5pm	Free
Canadian Native Friendship Centre Indigenous Peoples Festival	Borden Park 7507 Borden Park Road NW, Edmonton	June 21 Noon-8pm	Free
National Indigenous Peoples Day Art Gallery of Alberta	Art Gallery of Alberta 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square	June 21 11am-5pm	Free - Preregistration is available.
Bissell Centre’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Event 2024	10527-96 Street	June 21	Free
National Indigenous Peoples Day Spruce Grove	Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre and Gallery 99 Campsite Road, Spruce Grove	June 21 5-9pm	Free
National Indigenous Peoples Day Royal Alberta Museum	Royal Alberta Museum 9810 103a Avenue NW	June 21-23 Various Times	Included with general admission Free admission for those who identify as Indigenous
National Indigenous Peoples Day St. Albert	St. Albert Place 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert	June 21 2-5pm	Free
National Indigenous Peoples Day TELUS World of Science	TELUS World of Science 11211 142 Street NW, Edmonton	June 21 8am-4pm	Entry Included with Science Centre Admission or Free to those who identify as Indigenous
APTN National Indigenous Peoples Day Special Programming	Livestream Available online at aptntv.ca	June 21,8am to 10pm	Free Livestream
6th Annual Alberta Métis Fest	Métis Crossing 17338 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake	June 21-22 Various times	Free

Additional Events To Celebrate All Year Round

Night Market and Entertainment Showcase at the River Cree*	River Cree Resort and Casino 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Enoch	June 20-23 Thurs-Sat: 2-10pm Sun: Noon-5pm	$5 – Gate Admission Free for Elders 60+ and Children under 12
3rd Year Celebration – Soup and Bannock	Indigenous Psychological Services #104 – 17510 102 Avenue NW, Edmonton	June 24 4-6pm	Free – Registration required (Please call Indigenous Psychological Services: 587-594-9855)
Run-Walk for Reconciliation	Lions Park 21 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, St. Albert	July 1 9am-Noon	Free
Poundmaker’s Lodge Annual Powwow	Poundmaker’s Lodge 25008 Poundmaker Road, St. Albert	August 2-4 Fri – 7pm Sat – 1pm Sun – 1pm	Free

Additional Resources

Here’s a list of learning resources, focused on Alberta and Edmonton. These resources provide various ways to learn, appreciate, and engage with Indigenous cultures, histories, and current issues in Alberta and Edmonton.

Empowering the Spirit: Educational resources aimed at deepening understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives through collaboration between Alberta Education and the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium.

Blackfoot Digital Library: This library contains a wealth of information about Blackfoot people and culture, including images, audio, videos, and documents collected over the past century.

Michif Word of the Day: Learn about the Michif language, which combines Cree and French and is spoken mainly among Métis people. This resource helps preserve and understand this endangered language.

10 Ways to Make the Most of National Indigenous Peoples Day: An article by Homeward Trust Edmonton offering ten ideas to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) on June 21st.

Indigenous Resources and Events at EPL: The Edmonton Public Library provides information about Indigenous Peoples, including weekly Cree and Stoney language classes, cultural teachings by Nôhkom Jo-Ann Saddleback, and resources on reconciliation.

Métis Culture: Explore Métis culture and heritage with a family-friendly video created in partnership with Edmonton Public Schools, Edmonton Catholic Schools, Knowwacîston (MacEwan University), and the City of Edmonton Indigenous Relations Office.

Books by Indigenous Authors: Literature is crucial to understanding Indigenous perspectives. This resource emphasizes the importance of reading books by Indigenous authors to gain insight into their experiences, histories, and cultures.

Connect With Us

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We recognize we are gathered, in collaboration and with joint purpose, on Treaty 6 territory. This territory is the traditional home and gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples. The nêhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux/Ojibwe), Nakota Isga (Nakota Sioux), Inuit, and Métis, among many others cared for this land since time immemorial and continue to steward it today. As visitors in this territory, we honour the importance of the Treaty and our responsibility to these communities. Only in partnership can we create the changes necessary to end homelessness. It is vital we meaningfully engage and partner with Indigenous people and communities in this work while recognizing and addressing the conditions brought forth by colonialism. Displacement from traditional homelands, systemic racism, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in child welfare, correctional systems, and homelessness are responsibilities we all share.