Here are some ways you, your children and your family can honour and celebrate National Indigenous History Month this June, throughout the summer and beyond.
The below list includes several options for folks wanting to get outside or attend a local event, stay at home or learn about Indigenous culture in their own backyards.
Learn something new
- The University of Alberta offers a free online course that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. You can take the course for free by choosing the audit option on Coursera. Learn more or apply to take the course here.
- Check out The Government of Canada online activity guide, which is filled with stories and games that will help you and your family learn more about Indigenous cultures.
Attend an event near you
Calgary
Aboriginal Awareness Week in Calgary on June 19, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Studio Bell National Music Centre, 50 – 4 Street SE.
This event features Indigenous music and dance from local Indigenous talent. Admission is free. Learn more at AAWC – Pre-launch Event
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary – Indigenous Handgames tournament from June 20 to 24, 2022, taking place on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Fort Calgary, 750 – 9 Avenue SE.
As part of Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary, everyone is invited to register their team for the inaugural Handgames tournament. Learn more at AAWC – Indigenous Handgames Tournament
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary – Family Day and Powwow on June 25, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Calgary Stampede Grounds – South Park.
This event includes a free pancake breakfast, children’s corner, craft vendors and a powwow. Grand entry is at noon. Admission is free. Learn more at AAWC – Indigenous Family Day Powwow.
Edmonton
Attend the kick-off to National Indigenous Day on June 19, 2022, from noon to 8 p.m. at The Orange Hub, 10045 – 156 Street NW
Everyone is welcome to this special event featuring a meet and greet with the Edmonton Elks CFL team, an Indigenous Fashion Show, all genres of music, 50/50 draws, a silent auction, vendor booths and door prizes. General Admission is $30 per person. To purchase tickets, order them on Eventbrite.
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, Indigenous Relations on June 20, 2022, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Edmonton City Centre Mall (west), 10025 – 102A Avenue.
This event will celebrate traditional and contemporary arts and culture, such as dancing, drumming, Métis fiddling and jigging.
Visit the Fort Edmonton Park Indigenous peoples experience.
Gather and explore life through the diversity of First Nations’ and Métis peoples’ histories, cultures, experiences and perspectives, local to Indigenous life in the Beaver Hills or Edmonton region.
Enoch Cree Nation
Enoch Night Market and Entertainment Showcase on June 24 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and June 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at the River Cree Casino North Parking Lot, 300 East Lapotac Blvd.
This outdoor event is a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy a unique night market experience, including First Nation and local artisans, vendors and food trucks. Visit the River Cree Resort – Night Market website to learn more.
Bake traditional Bannock with your family
Try out this “elder approved” bannock recipe with your children, partner or friends as a way to celebrate Indigenous History Month with your taste buds. While baking, take some time to learn about Bannock and its history and importance to Indigenous communities.
This is a great activity to continue to do throughout the summer! Try baking it over a fire while camping or in your backyard.
Plant a heart garden in memory of children lost to the residential school system
A heart garden can be made by anyone of all ages and backgrounds. Heart gardens can be indoors or outdoors; they can be made of decorated paper hearts or include real flowers in your garden or in pots within your home.
Before getting your hands dirty, take the opportunity to learn about the history of residential schools and their ongoing impacts by visiting https://fncaringsociety.com/heart-garden-faq
Get outside and explore
Challenge yourself and your family to a game of nature bingo. Use this free template to check off the squares as soon as you find the item in nature.
Support Services
If you need more support or information, these services are here to help.
- Indian Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 (toll-free).
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line 1-855-242-3310. Support can be provided in English, French, Ojibway, Cree and Inuktitut.
- Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642 (toll-free).
- Canadian Mental Health Association – 24-hours Distress Line. Call 780-482-4357 (HELP).
