A celebration of heritage and culture concurrent with the Summer Solstice, National Indigenous Peoples Day is nearly here and Calgary will once again, be a buzz with meaningful things to do, see, experience and learn.
Not sure what’s happening in and around the city? Here are just a few ways that you can commemorate June 21st this year.
OHSOTO’KINO AT STUDIO BELL
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A very special event celebrating local Indigenous song, music, and dance, Studio Bell is proud to launch its newly revamped Speak Up exhibit! This showcase recognizes trailblazing Indigenous voices in music, including recently added artists Tom Jackson, Elisapie, Ferron, Fawn Wood, and Drezus.
This Wednesday, get FREE admission and enjoy incredible performances by champion hoop dancer Quentin Pipestem and singer-songwriter Cynthia Hamar.
When: Wednesday, June 21st, 2023
Where: 850 4 Street SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 1 pm
Cost: FREE
ATTEND A CAMPFIRE SHOWCASE
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, enjoy a day of music, dance and expression! This year’s performers include Métis recording artist (and UCalgary professor) Craig Ginn, traditional singer/songwriter Olivia Tail Feathers, Cree Métis recording artist Sandra Sutter and Rod Hunter and his drum group Eya-Hey Nakoda from Stoney Nakoda Nation. It’s going to be spectacular!
When: Wednesday, June 21st, 2023
Where: Heritage Park Plaza
Time: 4 pm – 6 pm
Cost: FREE
EXPLORE SPARK DURING INDIGENOUS SCIENCE MONTH
This month, celebrate the creativity of Indigenous science through art, conversations with Elders and film at the TELUS Spark Science Centre! From a visit to their newly planted medicine garden, shops, workshops and so much more, this incredible event is not one to be missed! Check it out every Saturday this June – and then on June 21st for Indigenous Peoples Day.
When: Wednesday, June 21st and 24th, 2023
Where: 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Time: see times above
Cost: $26+
THE MINI POWWOW SHOWCASE
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This Wednesday, visit Olympic Plaza for an extra special event that will feature a spectacle of dance, culture and beauty. A collaboration between Arts Commons and Four Winds (led by Tony Tootoosis), this event will showcase music and performances from some of the many communities that make up Calgary.
When: Wednesday, June 21st, 2023
Where: Olympic Plaza, in front of the entrance to Cravings Bistro
Time: 12 am and 1 pm
Cost: FREE
WALK FOR RECONCILIATION
This Wednesday, join the 14th annual Walk for Reconciliation. Bring banners, signs and flags, and reflect on the legacies and atrocities committed against those in Canada’s residential school system.
When: Wednesday, June 21st, 2023
Where: Harry Hays Building – 220 4 Ave SE, Calgary
Time: 8 am
SHOP THE INDIGENOUS ARTISAN MARKET
Want to support Calgary’s Indigenous vendors? Check out the Artisan Market at Southcentre this weekend and shop until you drop!
When: Friday, June 23rd – June 24th, 2023
Where: 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary
Time: 10 am and 8 pm
Cost: FREE
Whew, there you have it, friends. 6 things to do in Calgary this Indigenous Peoples Day. Enjoy!
