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.
AmiskwacĂ®wâskahikan, 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 MĂ©tis 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:
Castle Downs Family YMCA
June 19 | Join the Creating Hope Society at Castle Downs Family YMCA on June 19 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!
Mill Woods Wahkohtowin Family Night
June 20 | All are welcome at this family-friendly event that includes a hot dog, fruit & ice cream dinner, bannock making on the fire, Teepee teachings by elders, indigenous games and dances, door prizes, and a special performance by famous Metis Fiddler Zach Willier.
Tawaw Indigenous Market & Showcase
June 20 & 21 | Tawâw (ta-wow) meaning “welcome” in Cree is set to be one of the largest Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Edmonton! Admission is free for everyone to come to WEM Ice Palace and experience this amazing gathering of 100 Indigenous vendors, 20 exhibitors, and non-stop live entertainment.
Night Market & Entertainment Showcase at River Cree
June 20-23 | Don’t miss Canada’s Largest Outdoor Indigenous Market at River Cree Resort and Casino! This exciting Night Market experience is open to all ages, featuring First Nation & local artisans & vendors, food trucks, spectacular live entertainment, and a Kids Zone with face painting, balloon animals, bouncy castles, and sweet treats. Admission is free.
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 will begin outside at 8:00 am, followed the Lighting of the Quilliq, an Indigenous Vendors Market, storytelling, live dance and music performances, and a FREE barbeque from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. The Science Centre opens at 10:00 am with Indigenous activities throughout all the galleries.
CNFC Indigenous Peoples Celebration in Borden Park
June 21 |Â This incredible event in Borden Park includes fun arts & crafts, face painting, tipi teachings, Indigenous storytelling & games, powwow dancing, metis jigging, hand drumming, live music, food trucks, and more.
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. Everyone is invited on June 21 to discover the works of Indigenous artists Dana Claxton, Dwayne Martineau and Alex Janvier in the feature exhibits, then watch a screening of the 2022 film Rosie.
Indigenous Peoples Day Beading Workshop
June 21 | Join the Sherbrooke Community League to learn more about Indigenous culture on Indigenous Peoples Day! Learn to brick stitch and create your own red dress earrings during this interactive and informative Beading Workshop & Anti-Racism Seminar.
Royal Alberta Museum
June 21-23 | Come learn about the history, heritage, strength, and diversity of Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada through a book nook, story time, BINGO activity, Indigenous artistry videos, crafting circle, and a special Miniature Cree Hand Drum Making Workshop with local artist Lance Cardinal.
Fort Edmonton Park
June 22 | In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day Fort Edmonton Park will offer a full day of activities, performances, and demonstrations on Saturday, June 22, 2024. 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.
Bent Arrow National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
June 22 | Join Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. The 6th Annual Culture Camp will include opportunities for teaching, entertainment, delicious food, and fun!
Tootoosis Crew at Londonderry Mall
June 22 | Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Londonderry Mall with a special performance from the Tootoosis Crew! This incredible dance family has shared their tradition, culture and music across Canada, featuring various vibrant powwow dance styles and adorable tiny tot dancers.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Good Neighbours’ BBQ in Leduc
June 23 | Everyone is welcome to join the City of Leduc, Creating Hope Society, Santa’s Helpers, and the Leduc Boys and Girls Club for the Good Neighbours’ BBQ in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This community gathering will include a community walk, medicine teachings and other activities in the park, learning opportunities with Knowledge Keeper Joeanne Swampy, and complimentary hot dogs and drinks.
