There are a few ways you can celebrate National Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Edmonton.
The festivities and celebrations include live performances from singers and dancers, artistic displays and exhibits, contests, shopping, dining, and more.
Festivities at City Centre
This indoor and in-person event will help celebrate Indigenous People’s Day in Canada with live performances from dancers and singers. Head to the mall on your lunch break, or bring your kids, and enjoy learning about culture through food, entertainment, and exhibits.
When: June 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Edmonton City Centre, 102 Ave. and 102 Street NW
How much: free
National Indigenous Peoples Day Fireworks Show
Join River Cree Resort for fireworks in honour on National Indigenous Peoples day.
When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | 10:30 PM
Where: River Cree Resort and Casino, Lapotac Boulevard, Edmonton
How much: free
National Indigenous Peoples Day TELUS World of Science
Celebrate and honor the culture and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples in Edmonton. TELUS World of Science is offering free admission to Indigenous individuals on June 21. Engage in a smudge ceremony, witness the raising of a Tipi and trapper tent, enjoy performances by Robin Cisek and Indigenous Drummer Dezmond Morningchild, explore the Indigenous Vendors Market, and indulge in a free BBQ. Don’t forget to check out the special programming, Zeidler Dome screenings, and IMAX films at the science center.
When: Wednesday June 21, 2023 |8 AM to 4 PM
Where: TELUS World of Science – Edmonton, 11211 142 Street Northwest, Edmonton
How much: Free – $41.70
National Indigenous Peoples Day Royal Alberta Museum
Celebrate Indigenous History Month in Canada with various activities. Join a crafting circle at the Human History Hall, attend a film screening of “Heartbeat of a Nation,” visit the activity corner filled with Indigenous-authored books, and participate in story time for children. Additionally, observe traditional Indigenous crafting techniques up close.
When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | 10 AM — 4 PM
Where: Royal Alberta Museum, 9810 103a Avenue NW, Edmonton
How much:
Regular Admission: $10 to $21
All National Indigenous Peoples Day activities are included with general admission. Admission is always free for Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Peoples Day at the AGA: Free Admission
Visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing Indigenous artists, including Lana Whiskeyjack and Christi Belcourt. Activities include film screenings, a performance by hoop dancer Lakota Tootoosis, a tour by Lana Whiskeyjack, a participatory paint project led by Lonigan Gilbert, and a beading demonstration and workshop by Sharon Rose Kootenay.
When: June 21, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Art gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
How much: free
National Indigenous Peoples Day at Bissell
This National Indigenous Peoples Day event aims to foster intergenerational connections and knowledge sharing. A dedicated tent will provide a space for elders and children to connect, while the children from the Child Care Centre will perform a song. Activities include a pipe ceremony, smudge station, traditional meal, hand games, round dance teaching and presentation, beading and lanyard making, and a performance by a flutist.
When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | 10 AM to 3 PM
Where: Outside in front of Bissell: 10527 96 St. NW, Edmonton
How much: Free
Cultural Camp
Cultural Camp is a time to come together as community & celebrate Indigenous Culture. We will have Guest Speakers, teachings, sweats & more!
When: Wednesday June 21, 2023 |8 AM to 8 PM
Where: 11648 85 Street Northwest Edmonton
How much: Free – $41.70
National Indigenous Peoples Day Fort Edmonton
Fort Edmonton Park is offering special programming, demonstrations, and performances at the Indigenous Peoples Experience.
When: Saturday, June 24, 2023 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton
How much: Regular Admission
Support Edmonton’s Indigenous-owned Businesses
There are a wide variety of Indigenous-owned businesses around Alberta to support any time of year. See below for a sample of some Indigenous-owned businesses you can support in Edmonton.
- Whiskey Jack Art House
- Fat Man Little Kitchen
- TheCreeWomanInCanada
- Homefire Grill
- 5 Places to Enjoy Indigenous Food in Edmonton
Experience Indigenous Tourism around Edmonton
These tourist attractions and businesses in and around Edmonton all include their own take on a guided and educational experiences.
- Wase Saba Experiences: Sissy Thiessen Kootenayoo offers immersive cultural experiences through Wase Saba. She shares her multiple skills through live performances and workshops. Her performances come in a variety of styles: Powwow Dance (Multiple Styles), Storytelling, Spoken Word, Singing, Basic Hand Drum, Rattle & Wood Flute, Acting, and the Two Spirit Drag Performance.
- Rural Rivers: Explore the Sturgeon River and surrounding waters with a rental from the Metis-owned Rural Rivers Company in west Edmonton. They provide you with the canoe or kayak, and mapped routes to help optimize your time on the water.
- Talking Rock Tours: There are a huge variety and number of guided walks and hikes offered by Talking Rock Tours. You can explore the River Valley in or beyond the city, Elk Island National Park, or book for a weekend getaway in Nordegg or Drumheller.
- Fort Edmonton Park:The Indigenous Peoples’ Experience at Fort Edmonton’s entrance is one of the newest additions to the Park. It is an immersive experience that showcases art, architecture, and culture.
- Must-Do Indigenous Cultural & Heritage Experiences in Alberta
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