Through the month of June and on June 21st, there are many ways to honour, celebrate, and commemorate Indigenous People and their culture.
In Calgary, there are a few National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, week-long events, and activities you can take part in for education and entertainment. If you can’t make the events, you can spend your summer-or any time of the year- supporting Calgary’ local Indigenous-owned tourism outfitters, retailers, and restaurants.
1. Calgary Public Library Events
Through Calgary’s Public Library branches, people of all ages can take in different Indigenous learning experiences like Family Storytimes, film screenings, book displays of feature Indigenous authors, and a panel discussion on June 21st.
When: month of June
Where: various branches
How much: free
2. Indigenous Science Month at Telus Spark
Head to Spark for Indigenous Science Month: festivities that celebrate the creativity of Indigenous science through art, film, conversations with Elders, and much more.
When:
Wednesday, June 21 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, June 24 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Telus Spark, Calgary
How much: Free for select groups
3. Mini Powwow Showcase
Arts Commons is collaborating with Four Winds (led by Tony Tootoosis) to curate music and performances from some of the many communities that make up Calgary in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Join us on Olympic Plaza for a showcase that includes adult dancers and youth dancers, as well as a special appearance by a Tiny Tot Dancer.
When: Wednesday, Jun 21, 2023 | 11:30 AM
Where: Olympic Plaza, 205 – 8 Avenue SE, Calgary
How much: free
4. Campfire Chats: A Celebration of Indigenous Music
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at the 8th annual Campfire Chats event hosted by the University of Calgary. Enjoy live music and performances by talented Indigenous artists, including Craig Ginn, Olivia Tail Feathers, Sandra Sutter, and Rod Hunter with his drum group Eya-Hey Nakoda. The event, held in collaboration with Heritage Park, aims to honor Indigenous culture through the power of music.
When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park Plaza, 1900 Heritage Park SW, Calgary
How much: Free
5. Walk for Reconciliation
Gather with the 2023 Walk for Reconciliation to remember and honour the lives lost and those survivors of Canada’s residential school system. The walk symbolizes moving forward and will conclude with a closing ceremony and community picnic.
When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 8 – 11:30 am
Where: The Harry Hays Building to Fort Calgary, 220 4 Ave. SE, Calgary
How much: Free
6. National Indigenous Peoples Day at Heritage Park
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at Heritage Park with a variety of special programming and events throughout the day. Engage in Indigenous Games from 1 to 4 pm at the First Nations Encampment, enjoy mesmerizing Indigenous Dancers performing at the same location, and explore Tipis along the Promenade with knowledgeable interpreters available from 10 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 5 pm. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Indigenous Peoples at this special celebration.
When: June 21, 2023 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary
How much: $30 per person
7. OHSOTO’KINO: Indigenous Peoples Day
As part of the OHSOTO’KINO initiative, join the National Music Centre and Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary for a special event showcasing local Indigenous song, music, and dance. The day’s lineup includes champion hoop dancer Quentin Pipestem and singer-songwriter Cynthia Hamar.
When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Where: Studio Bell, 850 4 Street SE, Calgary
How much: Free
8. Indigenous Awareness Week Artisan Market
The two-day event will showcase 12 unique vendors, including Southcentre retailer, Manitobah. The market will begin with an opening ceremony that will take place at 11:30 a.m. on June 23rd, featuring a prayer and blessing from an elder as well as traditional dance and drum demonstrations.
When: June 23 to 24, 2023
Where: Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary
How much: Free
9. Métis Fingerweaving Workshops
Spend a day learning the basics of fingerweaving from Métis artisans! In this beginner’s workshop, participants will get a hands-on learning experience and learn how to measure, cut and dowel their own weaving project focused on the stipple, diagonal stripe, and chevron patterns.
When: June 24 & 25, 2023 | 9 AM – 4 PM
Where: Fort Calgary 750 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
How much: $110 + taxes and fees per person
10. Aboriginal Awareness Week Family Day Festival and Powwow
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary 2023 is a reflection of the pride of our First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and an opportunity to experience their rich heritages, traditions and cultures.
When: June 24, 2023 | 9:00am to 6:00pm
Where: Calgary Stampede Grounds, Calgary
How much: free
11. Support Calgary’s Indigenous-Owned Businesses
If you can’t make the specific events and celebrations for National Indigenous People’s Day in Calgary, you do still have other ways to celebrate. You can show your support any time of year by visiting one of these Indigenous-owned businesses in Calgary.
12. Indigenous Tourism around Calgary
Visit some of these places this weekend.
- Buffalo Stone Woman Indigescape Tours (Kananaskis Country): The Indigescape tours are led by Heather Black, an experienced hiker who grew up getting to know the area through her own adventures. Hiking tours include Troll Falls, the Blackshale Suspension Bridge, Elbow Lake, Grassi Lake, Prairie View Trail, and Barrier Dam Trail. Details
- Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park: Tour the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park with an experienced guide who takes you through hundreds of years of Blackfoot history and culture. Details
- Zucmin Guiding: The Alberta tours include Banff NP and Kootenay PP and get you learning about all the beautiful land which surrounds you. Your experienced guide, Tim Patterson, is Wilderness First Aid certified and has spent over 30 years hiking the trails. Details
- Kodiak Herbal Health & Education: Kodiak can take you through a variety of traditional activities which focus on Metis culture and heritage. The live workshops specifically focus on culture, art, medicine, and plant walks. Details
- Painted Warriors: The Painted Warriors is a wilderness education centre located between Calgary and Red Deer that focuses its programs on Ojibway, Cree, and Mohawk traditions. Take your pick from different weekend adventure getaways from Painted Warriors like glamping, horseback riding, archery, or their Stories of the Forest. Details
- Must-Do Indigenous Cultural & Heritage Experiences in Alberta