Celebrating Indigenous History in Calgary

As June arrives, Calgary begins a month of reflection, celebration, and learning in honour of Indigenous communities, cultures, and histories. National Indigenous History Month offers an opportunity to recognize our city’s original caretakers and the deep contributions Indigenous Peoples continue to make.

This month also includes National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and Calgary’s Aboriginal Awareness Week from June 15–21, bringing communities together through events, storytelling, art, education, and celebration. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding, support Indigenous creators and organizations, or participate in community events, there are many meaningful ways to engage throughout the month.

Here are some events and opportunities to help you connect, learn, and celebrate Indigenous cultures and communities in Calgary.

Events

An Indigenous lens on Poverty Reduction in Canada, Saturday June 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., hosted by We’re Together Ending Poverty
2026 Aboriginal Awareness Week Opening Ceremonies, June 15 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, hosted by Honouring Mother Earth
Walk for Reconciliation 2026, Sunday June 21 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., hosted by The Confluence
The Gathering at Moh’kinsstis | National Indigenous Peoples Day, Sunday June 21 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., hosted by the Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary
National Indigenous Family Day & Powwow, Sunday June 21 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., hosted by Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary
National Indigenous History Month at the Calgary Public Library, various dates and locations

Iih kanii tai staiiwa

In 2023, Vibrant Communities Calgary began the process of further understanding ceremony. Elder Clement Leather, Elder Wanda First Rider and the Enough for All Indigenous Advisory Committee guided us through this learning, which led to the momentous and significant experience of a naming ceremony in August 2023.

We encourage you to learn and celebrate Indigenous culture. A good place to start is our Indigenous Co-Creation page, which has a collection of resources on Indigenous communities, poverty reduction, ceremony, and co-creating future paths that centre on care and connection.

Learn more.