This year, National Indigenous Peoples Day—Friday, June 21—takes place during Quilt Canada. There are several events planned in and around Edmonton, a couple within quick walking distance of the Edmonton Convention Centre, where Quilt Canada is taking place.
CQA/ACC will be honouring the day by giving commemorative buttons to visitors on June 21 (5,000 buttons, until we run out!). Be sure to attend Quilt Canada on June 21 to get a button, and we also encourage you to wear orange clothing to honour Residential School Survivors, or a red dress to honour the many Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People.
Creating Hope Society
Creating Hope is a non-profit focused on preventing Aboriginal children from being separated from their families, helping to heal the impacts of the residential school system and the child welfare scoops of the 60s and 70s.
They are hosting an event on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 3-7 pm, to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.
Activities will include cultural activities, performers, and food.
Location: YMCA Castledowns, 11510 153 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5X 6A3, a 20-minute drive from the Edmonton Convention Centre.
For more information, contact shcw.central@creatinghopesociety.ca.
Art Gallery of Alberta
From 11 am to 5 pm on Friday, June 21, the AGA is providing programming, tours, and interactive experiences that highlight Indigenous voices and stories.
Opening remarks (12:30 pm) by Elder Gilman Cardinal will be followed by a tour of Indigenous artworks in the AGA collection. A free screening of the film Rosie—about an Indigenous girl who is orphaned and forced to live with her aunt in Montreal—will start at 2 pm.
Tickets (free) can be booked ahead of time online at https://www.youraga.ca
Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq, Edmonton, AB T5J 2C1, a seven-minute walk from the Edmonton Convention Centre.
Royal Alberta Museum
The RAM is hosting several activities June 21-23, including a book nook and story time for families, a crafting circle, and a miniature drum making with Lance Cardinal.
Activities are included with admission, and is free for Indigenous peoples.
Location: 9810 103a Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G2, an 8-minute walk from the Edmonton Convention Centre.
TELUS World of Science
The Science Centre includes several Indigenous-inspired activities with admission to the Centre on Friday, June 21, 8 am to 3:30 pm. These include a tipi raising, lighting of the Qulliq (traditional oil lamp), Indigenous vendors market, indoor and outdoor activities and performances, and a free BBQ.
Check the Science Centre’s website for the full schedule.
Free admission for Indigenous peoples on June 21.
Location: 11211 142 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 4A1, a 15-minute drive from the Edmonton Convention Centre.
Fort Edmonton Park
You can explore First Nations’ and Métis stories, music, and artwork at Fort Edmonton all the time. A celebration is also planned for Saturday, June 22, with a full day of activities.
Location: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3, a 19-minute drive from the Edmonton Convention Centre.
Night Market and Entertainment Showcase
The River Cree Resort and Casino is hosting events June 20-23. Presented by Enoch Cree Nation, the night market features Indigenous and local artisans, vendors, food trucks, and more. It is Canada’s largest outdoor Indigenous market with more than 110 vendors.
Admission is $5 (free for Elders 60+ and children 12 and under).
Location: 300 East Lapotac Blvd Box 179, Enoch, AB T7X 3Y3, a 30-minute drive from the Edmonton Convention Centre.
Alberta Métis Fest
Taking place June 21-22, this event promises two thrilling days of Métis culture and celebration with music performances, jigging competitions, and an artisan market.
This event is in Métis Crossing, about 1.5 hours north east of Edmonton.
CQA/ACC acknowledges that Quilt Canada 2024 is taking place within Treaty 6 Territory, and within the Métis homelands and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. This land is the traditional territory of the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) First Nations.
