Edmonton Events for National Indigenous Month

Since 2009, June has been the month when Canadians honour, recognize, and celebrate the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Here are some events happening in Edmonton and the surrounding area!

Photo courtesy of
Jennifer Linford

1. Edmonton’s Indigenous Peoples Festival | June 22
Held at the Edmonton Expo Centre, at this free event you can expect cultural demonstrations—such as a powwow—shop original handcrafted Indigenous products, live music performances by local and national Indigenous talent, and purchase food from a variety of local food trucks. This event is fun for all ages and accessible to those with any mobility challenges. Reserved seating and a rest area are also available for Elders. The event takes place from 11 am–9 pm.
Edmonton Expo Centre | 7515 118 Ave. | 780-471-7377

2. Where are the Children? Healing the Legacy of the Residential Schools | Through September 2
Organized by the Legacy of Hope Foundation, this powerful exhibit is dedicated to telling the truth about how Indigenous peoples have been impacted by the Residential School System in Canada. The event showcases survivor stories and archived photographs that encompasses over 125 years of history. Located at the Borealis Gallery in the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre.
Edmonton Federal Building | 9820-107 St. | 780-427-7362

1. 1. 1. 1. 3. Cree Crafts at Elk Island National Park: Beaded Earrings | June 13
        
        Learn how to craft your own set of beaded earrings as you learn about Cree culture from Cree artists Marge and Cassandra Johnson. The mother and daughter team will teach guests about the significance of beading within Indigenous culture. The event takes place at 7 pm in the Astotin Lake Recreation Area, followed with fire-roasted bannock and jam. Must register in advance, cost is $20. Taking place at the Astotin Lake Recreation Area, keep in mind that a park pass is needed to enter Elk Island National Park.
        Elk Island National Park | 1-54401 Range Rd 203 | 780-922-5790
        
        4. Kohkum and Moshum’s Annual Afternoon Tea | June 19
        
        Taking place at the Edmonton Indigenous Senior’s Centre, guests can enjoy a light lunch, tea, and entertainment. 12 pm–2 pm.
        EISC, Cottage E | 10107-134 Ave. | 587-525-8969
        
        5. Indigenous Short Films | June 20
        
        In association with the Edmonton International Film Festival, this free event will be showing a selection of short films that explore subject matter which illustrates indigenous experiences across the country. Popcorn and juice will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own favourite snacks. This event will take place from 6 pm–8 pm in the Pehonan Theatre at the Legislative Assembly of the Alberta Visitor Centre.
        Alberta Visitor Centre | 9820-107 St. | 780-427-7362
        
        6. Indigenous Relations’ Celebration | June 20
        
        Located in the Edmonton City Centre Mall, this event will celebrate traditional and/or contemporary arts and cultural practices such as dancing, drumming, Métis fiddling, and jigging.
        City Centre Mall | 10025 102A Ave. | 780-426-8444
        
        7. National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Cultural Showcase | June 20
        
        Held at the Edmonton International Airport, this cultural showcase offers an opportunity for tourists to engage with Indigenous culture. Starting at 11:45—1:15, art will be on display, and there will be live dance performances accompanied by an explanation behind the meaning and significance of each dance.
        Edmonton International Airport | 1000 Airport Rd. | 780-890-8900
        
        8. Cree Crafts at Elk Island National Park: Seven Sacred Teachings | June 21
        
        Discover and learn with Marge and Cassandra Johnson about the Seven Sacred Teachings—a First Nations set of teachings on human conduct towards one another—with focus on love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth. Must register in advance, cost is $20. Taking place at the Astotin Lake Recreation Area, keep in mind that a park pass is needed to enter Elk Island National Park.
        Elk Island National Park | 1-54401 Range Rd. 203 | 780-922-5790
        
        9. National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration | June 21
        
        Celebrating First Nation, Métis, and Inuit cultures this free event will offer a display of arts and crafts, a free breakfast and BBQ lunch, and plenty of activities for young children. Located at Enoch Park Cree Powwow Grounds, the event will take place from 9 am–9 pm. Enoch Cree Nation, off Hwy 60.
        Enoch Park | Township Rd. 522 | 780-968-3449
        
        Lauren Crazybull’s exhibit is on display at the McMullen Gallery. Photo credit Conor McNally
        
        10. National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Gallery | June 21
        The Art Gallery of Alberta will be featuring all-day free admission in order for guests to explore exhibits focused on First Nations and Métis artists’ work. Dakota/Lakota artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild will also be leading a free workshop about the history of Parfleche—a rawhide container often painted or adorned with quillwork—and guests will be able to construct and decorate their own piece to take home. Workshop spots are limited and may require advance registration. The event runs from 11 am–5 pm.
        Art Gallery of Alberta | 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. | 780-425-5379
        
        11. Government of Canada Celebration | June 21
        Celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Main stage activities will take place 12 pm–1 pm but guests are welcome to show up as early as 9 am with all activities wrapping up at 4 pm.
        Canada Place | 9700 Jasper Ave. | 780-420-1976
        
        12. Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society Celebration | June 21
        From 8:30 am–10 am guests can enjoy a delicious free pancake breakfast followed with family activities until 12 pm. Get creative with arts and crafts, listen to teepee stories, sample bannock and other cultural foods, view powwow drumming and dancing demonstrations, and partake in traditional games.
        Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society | 11648-85 St. | 780-481-3451
        
        13. IndigiSoulstice | June 21
        Come out for a night of Indigenous art, fashion, and live music. Special guest performances will include members of the Natives Got Talent Music Challenge. The event will take place at the Art Gallery of Alberta at 8 pm.
        Art Gallery of Alberta | 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square. |780-425-537914.
        
        14. The Future All at Once by Lauren Crazybull | Through August 4
        The first provincial Artist in Residence in Alberta, Lauren Crazybull is showcasing an exhibit of her acrylic portraits which are painted in a way that reframes and confronts representations of Indigenous people. The exhibit will be held in the McMullen Gallery at the University of Alberta Hospital; the opening reception will take place on June 13 from 7:30 pm–9:30 pm. Gallery hours are Mon–Fri, 11 am–7 pm; Sat and Sun, 11 am–5 pm and admission is free. McMullen Gallery is located on the main floor (East Entrance) of the University of Alberta Hospital.
        University Hospital | 8840-112 St. | 780-407-8428
        
        15. Mini Drum Workshop | June 27
        Cree artists Marge and Cassandra Johnson host a mini drum-making workshop. Learn about the importance of a drum as you make your own from hide and decorate it how you like. Must register in advance, cost is $20. Taking place at the Astotin Lake Recreational Area, keep in mind that a park pass is needed to enter Elk Island National Park.
        Elk Island National Park | 1-54401 Range Rd 203 | 780-922-5790
        
        16. National Indigenous Peoples Day @ RAM | June 21
        Celebrate Indigenous Peoples of Canada as artists and performers fill the Royal Alberta Museum with music, dance, storytelling, and art! Performances and activities run all day, from 10 am – 8 pm.
        Royal Alberta Museum | 9810-103a Ave.
        
        by charisse steward