Indigenous Awareness Month
Every year in June, Indigenous Awareness Month recognizes the rich heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. It provides an opportunity to recognize not only the historic contributions and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, but also the strength and resilience of present-day Indigenous communities.
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National Indigenous History Month
June 1 - 30 -
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary
June 19-25 -
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Wednesday, June 21
This Indigenous Awareness Month, join in the observances, attend events in your community, read books by Indigenous authors and enjoy music and movies that feature Indigenous artists and actors.
2023 theme
Indigenous Awareness Month
I AM... An open statement to inspire our Indigenous colleagues and community members to share stories and identify themselves not in the way they’re portrayed by stigma, but as they truly are.
Community member profiles
Weekly spotlight feature story of Indigenous Peoples who make Calgary a better place to live, work and play.
Sable Sweetgrass
Anya Goulet
Events
Indigenous Awareness Month events aim to educate about the true history of Indigenous Peoples and aid in the understanding who they are today. These events are one path to Reconciliation, which benefits all people in Canada.
June 8 - Hand games
Time: 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Calgary Municipal Building Atrium
Blackfoot hand games as demonstrated by the Siksika High School Championship Hand games Team NLC (Natosi Learning Center).
June 12 - Youth Indigenous design and fashion show
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Calgary Municipal Building Atrium
Join the Siksika High School design and art students for a runway fashion show for everyone.
June 15 - Indigenous drag show
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall Auditorium, Calgary Public Library
In partnership with the Calgary Public Library, members of the community are invited to learn about the roles of two-spirit people in Indigenous communities and enjoy a drag show.
June 21 - Métis Jigging lessons
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Calgary Municipal Building Atrium
The Calgary Métis Dancers are a group of youth that are learning and sharing their culture in and around Calgary. The youth are all Métis and are dedicated to learning the basic jig and square dancing. The Métis jig and Métis fiddle are an important part of the history of the Métis . The dance and music demonstrates the connection between First Nations, Scottish, Irish and French dancing. The current instructor for the group, Nicole Acuna, began dancing at the age of 10 and is now proudly teaching the next generation.
June 22 - CAUAC Chief David Crowchild and Aboriginal Isgaakuwa (Young Persons) Achievement Award
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Calgary Municipal Building Atrium
Each year the Chief David Crowchild and Aboriginal Isgaakuwa (Young Persons) Achievement Award is presented to honour the efforts and contributions of a person, group or organization who have:
- Demonstrated leadership in building relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in Calgary.
- Displayed a commitment to building bridges between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
- Supported and encouraged effective engagement and activities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
- Created and supported positive changes in their community
June 23 - IndigiTRAILS: Echoes of the Past Augmented Reality (AR) Launch Event
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: Nose Hill Park, near Shaganappi Parking lot
- Elder Aapaiksi'konnista RedGun (Johnathon) from the Siksika Nation will open with a prayer at 2 p.m.
- Free bannock (until supplies last)
- Traditional youth singers and dancers onsite from 2 - 4 p.m.
- Download the free IndigiTRAILS app to take a self-guided 15-minute journey through time to specific moments in history that impacted Indigenous people. We recommend you download the app and turn on GPS prior to the event and bring headphone to enjoy the audio component.
Community events
2023 National Indigenous Peoples Month Celebrations | AHS
Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be hosting new events each week throughout the month of June to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.
This year their theme is Celebrating Diversity Within Indigenous Peoples and Communities. As part of the celebration this year, lunchtime sessions we will feature topics related to diversity within Indigenous cultures and AHS programming that is focused on improving culturally safe, accessible healthcare for Indigenous clients and families.
June 19 - AAWC Opening Ceremonies
Time: 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Calgary Stampede Elbow River Camp
Opening ceremonies for Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary (AAWC) will be held at the Calgary Stampede grounds.
June 21 - Traditional Blackfoot Confederacy Tipi Transfer Ceremony
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Prince's Island Park
A tipi transfer ceremony will take place on June 21, which will transfer a Blackfoot Confederacy tipi design to Parks & Open Spaces staff Indigenous Landscape Strategist Crystal Many Fingers and Director of Parks & Open Spaces Kyle Ripley. While space inside the tipi is limited to those integral to the ceremony, there will be some elements of the ceremony which take place outside the tipi, and the public is invited to attend. The tipi door will also be open which could offer a view to what is happening inside. A celebration with traditional food, dancing and drumming will take place following the ceremony. This project begins a new relationship between The City and the Blackfoot People based on trust and understanding
Ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m., public are welcome after the ceremony is complete which is expected to be around 9:30 a.m.
Ceremonialists: Traditional Grandfathers Leonard Weasel Traveller, and Clement Leather. Supported by Holy Buffalo Woman (Motokiiks) Leanne Sleigh
Celebration: A celebration with traditional food, dancing and drumming will take place following the ceremony.
June 24 - AAWC Powwow
Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Enmax Park, Calgary Stampede Grounds
Join Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary's celebration for National Indigenous Family Day and POWWOW.