June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?
“June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.
Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.”
Here are a few of the events happening around Edmonton.
Thursday June 21
Edmonton’s Indigenous Peoples Festival
First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples and cultures will be celebrated through interactive experiences, cultural demonstrations, artisans, cuisine and live concerts.
Date: Friday June 21, 2019
Time: 11am-8pm
Location: Victoria Park, Edmontons river valley at 12030 River Valley Road
No public parking or drop-off is available at Victoria Park, but free and convenient Park and Ride services are available from Re/Max (formerly Telus) Field and a free festival shuttle is available from Coliseum Transit Centre, connecting to the LRT and ETS buses, during festival hours.
For more information, visit Edmontons Indigenous Peoples Festival, contact Morgan Bamford at 780-496-1028 or email EIPFestival@gmail.com
20th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration!
“It’s our 20th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration!
The planning committee along with all of our partners and sponsors invite you to attend this commemorative event.
We are excited to announce this year Enoch Cree First Nation-Maskekosihk (land of the Enoch First Nation in Cree) will be the host location, and in partnership with the Maskekosak we welcome you to join us in celebrating First Nation, Metis and Inuit Art, Culture and Spirit.
The day of celebration, June 21, 2019 is also the Canadian National Indigenous Peoples Day-this day corresponds to the summer solstice and for generations many Indigenous groups have celebrated their culture and spirit at this time of year.”
Date: Friday June 21, 2019
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: Celebration will take place on the Enoch Pow wow grounds at HWY 60 and Township Road 522, you can find it on google maps by searching Enoch Park Cree Pow wow grounds. Enter off TWP RD 522
Approx. 6 kms south of highway 16A on HWY 60
9am – Opening ceremonies and pow wow registration
10am 4pm – Childrens PowWow, Turtle Island Camp, activities, games and bouncy castles
Free BBQ lunch
www.facebook.com/IndigenousPeoplesDayAB
For questions or to register your school group or to register as a vendor email:
CS.EDM-IndigenousDay@gov.ab.ca
Vendors will be on location.
Please bring your recyclable water bottle.
Also to note, photos and video will be taken at event for promotional material.
Indigenous Health Program Open House
“We are having an Indigenous Health Program open house to showcase all the services we offer at our clinic. Our theme this year is Safety. We will be offering information on car/pedestrian safety, bike safety, car seat safety, sun safety and road safety. We will also have Indigenous dancers’ in the Royal Alex Hospital main Atrium at 10 am. This is a free event.”
Date: Friday June 21, 2019
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Indigenous Wellness Clinic, Royal Alexandra Hospital, 10959-102st
Learn More about National Indigenous Day Here
If you’re looking to customize your own Metis or First Nations flag, click HERE.
