June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day; a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, known as Indigenous peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations may Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
Below are some of the many events you can attend to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day here in YYC:
Opening Ceremonies Opening Ceremonies – June 20th, 2022
Kick off the week and celebrate the diversity and rich history of the Indigenous people of Canada at the Aboriginal Awareness Week Opening Ceremonies, June 20th at Calgary Stampede Elbow River Camp! Open and free to all Entertainment, Vendors, Artisans, and Free BBQ.
IndigiTRAILS: Treaty 7 Trivia Launch Event
starts: June 20/22 @ 2:00pm
ends: June 20/22 @ 5:00pm
venue: Fort Calgary
Join USAY and the Cultural Instigators on June 20 from 2PM to 5PM at Fort Calgary to launch IndigiTRAILS: Treaty 7 Trivia. After Aboriginal Awareness Week Opening Ceremonies, head over to a launch to enjoy singing, dancing and get a swag bag, while testing your knowledge of Treaty 7, and seeing local artwork.
Download the free IndigiTRAILS app for free on your device, and you'll be able to explore the grounds of Fort Calgary to learn more about all things Treaty 7. Our staff and youth volunteers will be there to help with any tech questions and provide more context.
AFCC Round Dance
starts: June 21/22 @ 1:00pm
ends: June 21/22 @ 5:00pm
venue: Marlborough Community Association - 636 Marlborough Way NE Calgary Alberta
This is a free public event, so come celebrate with us for AFCC’s ROUND DANCE HONOURING INDIGENOUS DAY on June 21,2022 at 1pm- 5pm
Hope Feeds the Heart
starts: June 21/22 @ 2:00pm
ends: June 21/22 @ 4:00pm
venue: Contemporary Calgary, #701 11th Street SW Calgary, AB T2P 2C4
The Hope Feeds the Heart Art Project is the latest artistic offering by the indigenous girls of the Stardale Women’s Group based in Calgary. Past projects have dealt with very heavy themes, such as youth suicide, a response to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Commission, alienation, and discrimination. This year, the group has turned their focus on a more positive theme: Hope.
University of Calgary Campfire Chats: Buffalo Treaty
starts: June 21/22 @ 3:00pm
ends: June 21/22 @ 4:30pm
venue: Online Webinar
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the University of Calgary will present its seventh annual Campfire Chats — an event created to celebrate Indigenous culture. Join us online as we listen to and learn from a panel of Indigenous leaders discussing the Buffalo Treaty.
Buffalo hold much significance and the Buffalo Treaty, signed on Sept. 24, 2014, recognizes, honours and revitalizes the relationship we have with them.
The event will be moderated by Elder Reg Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01, with special remarks provided by Dr. Michael Hart, PhD, vice-provost of Indigenous Engagement.
Rod Hunter and his drum group, Eya-Hey Nakoda, will also perform the UCalgary Honour Song.
Event Contact Information
Calla Novello-Lauritsen
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration in Airdrie
starts: June 21/22 @ 5:30pm
ends: June 21/22 @ 8:30pm
venue: Nose Creek Regional Park, Airdrie AB
Join us on Tuesday, June 21 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Nose Creek Park in Airdrie! A day to recognize the long history, heritage, culture and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in our area.
This event is free and everyone is welcome! Event will include Elder’s blessings and prayers, land acknowledgement, acknowledgement from dignitaries as well as live music and dance performances from various Métis and First Nations groups
Event Contact Information
Sue Methuen
circleconnectionsairdrie@gmail.com
Indigenous Handgames Tournament
starts: June 25/22 @ 10:30am
ends: June 25/22 @ 4:30pm
venue: Calgary Stampede Grounds - South Park
Handgames are a culturally based competition that have been played for centuries by Indigenous Peoples across North America. Two teams of five players sit across from each other in a line. While traditional drumming and music is played, one team works to hide objects in their hands, passing them between team members while the opposing team has to guess where the objects are hidden.
Art Cunningham
handgames@aawc.ca