June 9, 2025Back to Latest

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to learn about First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples. This month serves as an opportunity to honour, validate and amplify Indigenous voices.

National Indigenous Peoples Day was established in 1996 to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It is no coincidence that this day is celebrated on June 21, coinciding with the Summer Solstice. Many Indigenous communities have celebrated the start of summer since time immemorial with distinct ceremonies. This spiritually significant day symbolizes a new season of life. A time to embrace the spirit of new beginnings perhaps by engaging with your local Indigenous communities and deepening your understandings of their cultures and legal traditions. One way to accomplish this is to attend a Pow Wow. The Pow Wow Trail begins with the arrival of the Summer Solstice. Here are some considerations for attending Pow Wows:

• be on time;
• ensure that the Pow Wow is open to the public (most are);
• dress modestly to remain respectful of the culture and ceremony;
• respect the opening prayer;
• ask permission before taking photos;
• do not bring alcohol or drugs;
• pay attention to the announcers;
• know the difference between traditional and competitive Pow Wows;
• ask questions to gain a better understanding;
• offer tobacco (loose or cigarettes) to an Elder or dancer before asking questions to demonstrate respect;
• browse the local vendors who sell their wares at the Pow Wow grounds;
• all ages are welcome; and
• recognize different traditions.  

Other Ways to Learn and Support Indigenous Businesses and Culture

Events

The following are some additional events happening across Alberta this month that provide opportunities to learn about and honour Indigenous Peoples.

Calgary and Surrounding Area

• June 8, 22, 29: Music Under the Archway with Damase Elis, Jaiden Riley, and Caitlin Goulet in Calgary
• June 12: Celebrating Indigenous Sport Heroes in Calgary
• June 14: National Indigenous Family Day & Pow Wow in Calgary
• June 17: Treaty 7 Languages Elder panel in Calgary
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day Traditional Pow Wow Celebration in Calgary
• June 21: Campfire Chats: A Celebration of Indigenous Music and Culture in Calgary
• June 21: Inuit Seal Skin Change Purse Workshop in Cochrane
• Until June 28: Banff Centre’s National Indigenous History Month in Banff

Edmonton and Surrounding Area

• June 13-14: 7^th Annual Alberta Metis Fest in Smoky Lake
• June 20: National Indigenous Peoples Day at Bent Arrow in Edmonton
• June 20-22: 5^th Annual Night Market at the River Cree in Enoch Cree Nation
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day with IAM COLLECTIVE in Edmonton
• June 21: CNFC Indigenous Peoples Festival in Edmonton
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day with Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre in Spruce Grove
• Until June 21: Weekend Pop Up Market ᓂ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐤᑮᓯᑲᐠ ka poni ayamihewkîsikak in Edmonton
• Until June 22: Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton
• June 28: First Annual 2 Spirit Pow Wow in Edmonton

Northern Alberta

• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day Parade in Grande Prairie
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day in Lac La Biche

Southern Alberta

• June 12-15: The Hills are Alive Music & Culture Fest in Cypress Hills Inter-Provincial Park
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day in Lethbridge
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day in Medicine Hat
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park

Indigenous Businesses and Cultural Centres

The following is a short, non-exhaustive list we have curated of some Indigenous-owned businesses and places to visit.

Eat

• Bernadette’s in Edmonton
• Culina Family of Restaurants & Catering in Edmonton
• Tee Pee Treats in Edmonton
• Little Chief Restaurant at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino in Calgary

Shop

• Boychief Trading Post in Siksika Nation
• Dreamcatchers Gift & Art Gallery in Fort Saskatchewan
• Eagle Spirit Gifts in Cardston
• Moonstone Creation in Calgary
• Nikawiy Beads in Edmonton
• Rainy Chief Trading Post & Indigenous Art Market in Calgary
• Wild West Gallery in Wetaskiwin

Visit

• Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park in Siksika Nation
• Metis Crossing in Smoky Lake
• Tsuut’ina Museum in Tsuut’ina Nation
• Paahtómahksikimi Cultural Centre in Waterton Park