June 21 marks both the Summer Solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day. The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, has long been a day of cultural celebration for Indigenous communities, and in 2017 it was officially named National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada.
Amiskwacîwâskahikan, also known as Edmonton, is located on Treaty 6 Territory, and home to the second largest Indigenous population in Canada including the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Sioux and Métis People. Everyone is invited to celebrate and learn more about the history and culture of our city’s rich Indigenous population by attending one of the great events below.
National Indigenous Peoples Day Events in Edmonton:
TELUS World of Science – Edmonton
June 21 | Take advantage of the Indigenous Peoples Day school holiday and enjoy a day of cultural learning at the TELUS World of Science – Edmonton. Activities will include a Tipi & Trapper tent raising smudge ceremony, Indigenous Vendors Market, storytelling, and live dance and music performances. special shows in the Ziedler Dome, and a Ribbon Skirt & Shirt craft activity with Lance Cardinal.
Art Gallery of Alberta
June 21 | Enjoy FREE admission, plus free activities, performances, films, and more during National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Art Gallery of Alberta.
Royal Alberta Museum
June 21 | Spend National National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Royal Alberta Museum. In recognition of the history, heritage, strength and diversity of Indigenous people and communities in Canada there will be a crafting circle, story time, film screening of Heartbeat of a Nation, and an activity corner.
Castle Downs Family YMCA
June 22 | Join the Creating Hope Society at Castle Downs Family YMCA on June 22 to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. Everyone is welcome to this outdoor event that will include bouncy castles, face painting, bannock, dancers, vendors and food trucks!
Fort Edmonton Park
June 24 | In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day Fort Edmonton Park will offer a full day of activities, performances, and demonstrations on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Make your way to The Indigenous Peoples experience at Fort Edmonton to take part in and celebrate beautiful Indigenous traditions including moose hide scraping at the Metis cabin, an Indigenous Art Market, and a Tipi raising.
Celebrating National Indigenous History Month in Fort Saskatchewan
June 24 | Join The Fort Saskatchewan Multicultural Association in celebrating National Indigenous History Month on June 24 in Legacy Park. Come shop the Indigenous vendor market and enjoy live music and dancing from Curt Young, Phyllis Sinclair, Nipisiy, and Donna Young & The Small Band.
