National Indigenous Peoples Day is a special day for us at pipikwan pêhtâkwan. As an Indigenous owned and majority staffed and led public relations agency, our roots are intricately connected to our Indigenous ways of knowing. We honour all those that self-identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis and we are proud to share our way of life with all members who have made Turtle Island their home.
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate this important day, we’ve created a list of in-person events in Calgary and Edmonton and have included a few virtual events if you’d rather celebrate online.
However you wish to acknowledge National Indigenous Peoples Day, we hope you take some time to learn and appreciate Indigenous history and perspectives that have thrived here since time immemorial.
Calgary Public Library – National Indigenous Peoples Day
If you’re looking to learn more about Indigenous ways of knowing, join the Calgary Public Library for National Indigenous Peoples Day. This event specifically focuses on the contributions Indigenous Peoples have made to sports.
Date: June 21, 2022
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: 800 3 Street SE, Calgary, AB
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary is holding their annual celebrations from June 19 – 25 to celebrate the rich, cultural diversity of Indigenous communities. The website lists events happening around the city, so be sure to check out Events Listing under Calendar for what to do, eat and see for National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Date: June 19 – 25, 2022
Time: Times vary
Location: Elbow River Pathway & MacDonald Ave. SE, Calgary, AB
Kerby Centre Presents – National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022
Join the Kerby Centre for lunch and cultural celebration for National Indigenous People’s Day. There will be a teaching of the medicine wheel by Knowledge Keeper Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes. This presentation is free, though the lunch price is to be confirmed. Check their website for more information and to register for the event.
Date: June 21, 2022
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
River Cree Night Market
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with the River Cree Night Market. This event will have three nights of local artisans, vendors, food trucks and more.
Date: June 24 – 26, 2022
Time: Times vary
Location: River Cree Resort and Casino North Parking Lot
Dreamspeakers Festival Society Short Film Festival
The Edmonton Short Film Festival and the Dreamspeakers Film Society will be hosting a night of screenings by Indigenous filmmakers and artists. The event is block party style and is free to attend. Don’t forget your chairs and dress according to weather conditions.
Date: June 26, 2022
Time: 9 – 11 p.m.
Location: Dreamspeaker Festival Society – 11051 97 Street NW
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
The Bent Arrow is a Traditional Healing Society committed to uplifting Indigenous children, youth and families. The Society is hosting a National Indigenous People’s Day event at the Parkdale School where people can take part in smudge and prayer, cultural teachings, powwow dancing, traditional singing and more.
Date: June 21, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Parkdale School – 11648 85 Street NW
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day with both online and in-person events. They’re offering a full-day of activities from a virtual Indigenous market and an online powwow dance class. Some activities require registration in advance so be sure to read the full schedule list before participating.
Date: June 21, 2022
Time: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Online and in person
National Indigenous Peoples Day LiveStream
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with host Lance Cardinal and musicians Spur Pourier, Fawn Wood, Hoop Dancer Dallas Arcand and Inuit drum and song performance by Connie Kanayok McCrae and Jaynine McCrae. This event is supported by the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Public Library, Edmonton Public School Board and Edmonton Catholic Schools, kihêw waciston, MacEwan University’s Indigenous Centre.
Date: June 21, 2022
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Online
National Indigenous Peoples Day with Richard Van Camp
Join the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta as they welcome award winning author Richard Van Camp. The event is online and will be filled with storytelling and prizes. Register online for this event.
Date: June 21, 2022
Time: 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Location: Online
