June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on June 21 and there is also Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary from June 18 to 24. During this month (and beyond), it’s important to take time to learn about, acknowledge and appreciate Indigenous culture and history.
Here are some upcoming events where you can learn more about Indigenous culture and stories this month.
National Indigenous History Month Events with the Calgary Public Library
When: Multiple dates
The Calgary Public Library, which offers educational resources on Indigenous culture and history, is holding several events for both adults and children over National Indigenous History Month. You can listen to a livestream keynote with Alwyn Morris on June 21, take a virtual fry bread cooking class on June 22, watch a screening of the film Shadows in Time on June 24 and more.
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary
When: June 18 to 24
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary (AAWC) returns this year from June 18 to 24 with the theme of “Honoring Mother Earth and Water.” Don’t miss the National Indigenous Family Day and Powwow on June 24 at Enmax Park, which will feature an Indigenous arts and craft market, a hand games tournament, a traditional powwow, a free barbecue and more.
Indigenous Science Month at Telus Spark
When: June 17, 21 and 24
Check out the wide range of activities taking place at Telus Spark during the science centre’s Indigenous Science Month. Depending on the day of your visit, guests can check out an Indigenous market, watch film showcases, hear a talk on plant medicine, learn about Indigenous science and more.
220 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca
Campfire Chats: A Celebration of Indigenous Music
When: June 21
The University of Calgary is celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day with the latest edition of its Campfire Chats. This free event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and focuses on Indigenous music and performances.
Heritage Park Plaza, ucalgary.ca
OHSOTO’KINO: Indigenous Peoples Day at Studio Bell
When: June 21
The National Music Centre (NMC) and Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary have teamed up to cast a spotlight on Indigenous dancing, music and song on National Indigenous Peoples Day. On that day, NMC is debuting an updated version of its Speak Up! exhibition, which will now feature five additional Indigenous artists: Tom Jackson, Elisapie, Ferron, Fawn Wood and Drezus. You can also catch performances by hoop dancer Quentin Pipestem, singer-songwriter Cynthia Hamar, and powwow singers and drum group Eya-Hey Nakoda. Admission is free on June 21.
Studio Bell, studiobell.ca
Walk for Reconciliation 2023
When: June 21
On June 21, you can join the 2023 Walk for Reconciliation, which travels from the Harry Hays Building to Fort Calgary from 8 to 9:15 a.m. Afterwards, the walk will be followed by an outdoor gathering with drumming and dance performances, speeches and a community meal.
Walk starts at Harry Hays Building, 220 4 Ave. S.E., ends at Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave. S.E., fortcalgary.com
Mini Powwow Showcase
When: June 21
Four Winds and Arts Commons have teamed up for a mini powwow showcase on National Indigenous Peoples Day. The outdoor event at Olympic Plaza will feature music and performances from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Olympic Plaza, artscommons.ca
AFCC Traditional Round Dance
When: June 21
On June 21, join the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary for an afternoon traditional round dance at the Calgary Marlborough Community Association that will also feature traditional games, stew and bannock, and storytelling.
Calgary Marlborough Community Association, 636 Marlborough Way N.E., @afccalgary
Indigenous History Month Artisan Market
When: June 23 and 24
Organized by Authentically Indigenous, the Indigenous History Month Artisan Market runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. over two days at Southcentre Mall’s Centre Court. The market will have an opening ceremony on June 23 with traditional dance and drum performances and a prayer and blessing from an elder. Guests can shop from 12 vendors including Redman Customs, Releaf Aromatherapy, Oji Creations and more.
100 Anderson Rd. S.E., southcentremall.com