National Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21: Honoring the History, Heritage, Resilience, and Diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada
Indigenous Peoples make significant contributions to Canada's past, present, and future. Specifically in Alberta, the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities play a crucial role in enhancing the arts, culture, equity, safety, and overall well-being, and we deeply appreciate the ongoing impact of Urban Indigenous community members in shaping our communities, both historically and today. Their vibrant presence and contributions are truly the heartbeat of our province, driving us toward a brighter, creative, and sustainable future!
SWAA invites social workers to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, by coming together, reflecting on and celebrating the unique heritage, traditions, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. As social workers, we are committed to the pursuit of truth and reconciliation by respecting local traditional values, customs, and beliefs, and by incorporating Indigenous worldviews and cultural diversity within Nations into our practice. To develop professional competence and embrace diversity, there are several upcoming opportunities for social workers to celebrate alongside Indigenous cultures and worldviews:
On June 21st, The Bissel Center will host a celebration in front of their Community Space in downtown Edmonton. A section of 96 Street will be blocked off to traffic for everyone to join in the family-friendly festivities, which will include musical performances, teachings, delicious food, and many more fun activities. https://bissellcentre.org/
On June 21st, TELUS World of Science Edmonton will be honoring the culture and worldviews of the Indigenous peoples, the traditional stewards of Beaver Hills House (Edmonton. Join in and immerse yourself in a vibrant array of Indigenous-led teachings, all-day outdoor performances, and cultural experiences that celebrate their enduring legacy and wisdom. https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/explore/experiences/national-indigenous-peoples-day/
In Calgary at the Enmax Park (Calgary Stampede Grounds) on June 22nd, there will be a full day of celebratory activities, including a traditional Pow Wow, hand games tournaments, and an Indigenous Arts & Crafts Market. www.aawc.ca
In collaboration with the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, a celebration will be held on June 21st, starting at noon. The Town of Banff will host performances, food tastings, cultural conversations and more, all free and accessible to residents and visitors. https://banff.ca/NIPD
Come "Celebrate the Way We Were" as one travels back in time at the Sundre & District Museum. The Sundre & District Museum celebrates National Indigenous Day each year on June 21st, with a full day of celebratory events, when the world comes together to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis. For more information go to https://www.sundremuseum.com/event-details/indigenous-peoples-day
Between 7-9pm on June 21st, the town of Whitecourt will be celebrating National Peoples Indigenous Day with a family dance at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre, with live music by Metis Country.
On June 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. a celebration will be held in Airdrie, with activities hosted in Nose Creek Regional Park. Event will include Elder's blessings, prayers, and stories, land acknowledgement from dignitaries, live music, drumming, cultural dance performances, traditional sharing, and teachings from a number of First Nations and Métis groups. https://www.airdrie.ca/index.cfm?serviceID=2483
On June 21st, a full day of celebrations will be held at the Treaty Grounds in Cold Lake First Nations, to honour heritage, traditions, and culture. Celebrations are scheduled between 7 am and 3 pm. The community will be able to enjoy games, food, drumming, traditional art, live performances, a piping ceremony, and of course dancing. For more information, go to https://clfns.com/events/
Held between June 21st and June 23rd, Grand Prairie welcomes the public to join in two days of First Nations song, dance, and cultural celebration, at the traditional pow wow in Grande Prairie! This two-day, free community event celebrates Indigenous culture in Grande Prairie, hosted at the Bonnetts Energy Centre. https://www.festivalseekers.com/festival/grande-prairie-traditional-pow-wow
SWAA formally acknowledge that we are on the traditional homelands of Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 territories within what is now known as Alberta, the Métis Nations of Alberta, and the many First Nations, and Métis and Inuit Peoples who have continued to inhabit and steward these lands every day since time immemorial. Let us come together to honor and celebrate the culture and diversity of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our society and working towards a future rooted in respect and shared understanding.
Written by social work practicum student, Heather Pederson, MSc.