National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the long history, heritage, culture and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have honoured this time by celebrating their rich cultures, languages, and traditions. The summer solstice holds profound spiritual and cultural meaning for many Indigenous Peoples, symbolizing renewal, connection, and joyful celebration.

The City continues to support events recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day through funding and collaboration with not-for-profit groups leading the planning and delivery of these events.

Learn more about the National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Learn more about National Indigenous History Month.

• June 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.
• Inspire – Multipurpose Room E
• All ages and skill levels
• Free to attend but reservations are required

Fish scale art uses cleaned, dried and sometimes dyed fish scales to create beautifully realistic art pieces, often of flowers. This is a traditional art of the Dene, Nehiyaw (Cree) and Métis people. Join Danielle Piper to make your very own fish scale artwork!

Reserve a seat for the Fish scale art workshop at 1 p.m.

Reserve a seat for the Fish scale art workshop at 2 p.m.

• June 21 from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Inspire – Multipurpose Room F
• All ages and skill levels
• Free to attend but reservations are required

Tufting is a traditional Dene and Métis art which uses the hair of animals in the deer family and takes advantage of their unique fibre structure. Caribou, deer and moose hair are most often used for this art, which depicts flowers and animals most often. Learn how to sew down bundles of this hair, before securing and trimming them into shape to create your artwork. Make and take home your own tufted necklace or ring.

Reserve a seat for the Tufting workshop at 3 p.m.

Danielle Piper is an interdisciplinary artist based in Moh’kins’tsis, and a member of Cold Lake First Nations. She is Nehiyaw-Métis and Denesyline. She holds a Bachelors of Fine Art in Drawing from the Alberta University of the Arts, and has exhibited and attended artist residencies across Alberta, including at the Banff Centre for Creativity and Arts. She is also a board member of Sparrow Arts Society, and the founder of Wasakamapiwak Collective of artists. Danielle sells her creations through her business, Wâpakwanîwin Craftwork.

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations hosted by Circle Connections for Reconciliation

Honouring the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, this event hosted by Circle Connections for Reconciliation features drumming and dancing, Indigenous artisans, cultural experiences, storytelling and family-friendly activities.

National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations hosted by Circle Connections for Reconciliation is supported by the City through the Reconciliation Community Initiatives Grant, which funds Indigenous-led initiatives that that encourage learning and awareness of Indigenous histories, rights, cultures and perspectives.