National Aboriginal Day

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 is National Aboriginal Day, a day for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

Setting aside a day for Aboriginal Peoples is part of the wider recognition of Aboriginal Peoples' important place within the fabric of Canada and their ongoing contributions as First Peoples. As former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson said, "It is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate our respect and admiration for First Nations, for Inuit, for Métis — for the past, the present and the future. " 

National Aboriginal Day Community Events

June 6, 15 & 23

EPL Book Club (multiple branches)

Monday, June 6, 6pm at Castle Downs
Wednesday, June 15, 7pm at Whitemud Crossing
Thursday, June 23, 7pm at Strathcona

Books to be discussed: The Inconvenient Indian, Indian Horse, and They Called Me Number One.

Please pre-register at: www.epl.ca/bookclubs/

For more information:
Contact: Claudion Bringas
Phone: 780-977-7841
Email: cbringas@epl.ca
Website: epl.ca/browse_audience/aboriginal/

June 17

Government of Alberta, Indigenous Relations

Friday, June 17, 2016
11:30am-1pm
City Centre Mall, Lower Level (West, Hudson Bay side) Edmonton
100 Street and 102 Avenue

Live Indigenous entertainment!

For more information:
Contact: Kellie Freeborn
Phone: 780-422-0052
Email: Kellie.Freeborn@gov.ab.ca
Website: indigenous.alberta.ca/National-Aboriginal-Day.cfm

June 18-21

Amiskwaciy History's Film Festival

June 18-21, 2016
TBA
Edmonton Public Library
June 18-20 Stanley Milner Theatre,
7 Sir Winston Churchill Square (Basement)
June 21- Art Gallery of Alberta

Free event, all welcome.

For more information:
Contact: Coty Savard
Phone: 780-906-2124
Email: cotysavard@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Amiskwaciy/ 

June 19

St. Albert National Aboriginal Day Festival

Sunday, June 19, 2016
noon-5pm
Lions Park St. Albert (corner of Tache Street and Sir Winston Churchill)

Fun for the whole family. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and settle in for the afternoon.

The celebration begins with a traditional grand entry to showcase a full afternoon of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis entertainment and crafts. Free face painting and games for the kids. Free bannock baking on a stick in front of a tipi. 50/50 draws and a half-time break with live entertainment featuring local artists.

For more information:
Contact: Gwen Crouse
Email: gwencrouse@hotmail.com
Facebook: St. Albert National Aboriginal Day Festival 

June 21

Creating Hope Society (CHS), Canadian Native Friendship Centre (CNFC), Edmonton Public School Board, Edmonton Catholic School District, Homeward Trust, and City of Edmonton presents;

OTI NEKAN...Our Future

Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Day Event 10am-5pm
Evening Event 6-9pm
Borden Park Edmonton

11am Pipe Ceremony
noon PowWow Demonstrations
1:45pm Dene Tha Drummers (Tea Dance & Traditional Games)
3:15pm Young Medicine
4:15pm Grand Entry

And more entertainment including Daniel Gervais with Corbin Poitras, Stephanie Harpe Experience, Marilyn Lamouche, James Jones, Traditional Performances.

Host Drum: Blackstone Singers
Afternoon Emcee: Ron Moon Walker
Evening Emcee & Performance: Bill "Rellik" LeBlanc.

For more information:
Contact: CHS 780-477-7961 or
CNFC 780-761-1900
Email: info@creatinghopesociety.ca
Website: www.creatinghopesociety.ca

Tuesday, June 21, 2016
9am – 4pm
main stage noon-1pm
Canada Place Conference, 2nd floor
Main atrium - youth activities 
8th floor - children’s activities 

Indigenous artisans/exhibitors, and free cake and bannock give-away.

Free. All Nations are welcomed to share in the celebration!

For more information:
Contact: Heather Poitras
Phone: 780-495-6728
Email: Heather.Poitras@aandc.gc.ca
Website: www.aandc.gc.ca/nad

Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society

Tuesday, June 21, 2016
8:30-noon
Bent Arrow/Parkdale School
11648 - 85 Street

Free event and pancake breakfast. Bring your own lawn chairs and enjoy activities for children, tipi, bouncy castle, traditional games, crafts, face painting.

Powwow dancers and a round dance at 11am. Everyone is welcome!

For more information:
Contact: Community Events Committee
Phone: 780-481-3451
Email: reception@bentarrow.ca
Website: www.bentarrow.ca
Facebook: Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
Twitter: BentArrowYEG

Art Gallery of Alberta  - Amiskwaciy History Series—National
Aboriginal Day Film Screening

Tuesday, June 21, 2016
6pm
2 Sir Winston Churchill Square

AGA in partnership with the Amiskwaciy History Series to present a number of short Aboriginal art films for this year’s National Aboriginal Day. Join us as we honour the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. Amiskwaciy History Series is an Aboriginal grassroots led initiative to create awareness regarding the often untold Indigenous history of Edmonton and area.

For more information:
Contact: Guest Services
Phone: 780-0422-6223
E-mail: info@youraga.ca
Website: www.youraga.ca 

Art Gallery of Alberta - Free Admission

Tuesday, June 21, 2016
11am-5pm
Art Gallery of Alberta,
2 Sir Winston Churchill Square

Free admission in recognition of National Aboriginal Day.

Exhibitions:

• 7: Professional Native Indian Artists Inc.
• Richelle and Brittney Bear Hat: Little Cree Women
  (Sisters, Secrets & Stories)
• A Parallel Excavation: Duane Linklater and Tanya
  Lukin Linklate
• The Unvarnished Truth: Exploring the Material
  History of Paintings
• Allora & Caldzadilla: Echo to Artifact

For more information:
Phone: Guest Services, 780-422-6223
Email: info@youraga.ca
Website: youraga.ca/exhibition/ 

June 24

NorQuest College

Friday, June 24, 2016
11am – 2pm
10215 - 108 Street NW

Free event with various activities.

For more information:
Contact: Chelaine Belcourt
Phone: 780-644-5965
Email: chelaine.belcourt@norquest.ca

Contact: Cherie Sawaryn
Phone: 780-644-6252
Email: cherie.sawaryn@norquest.ca
Website: www.norquest.ca 

History of National Aboriginal Day

National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed in 1996 by former Governor General Roméo A. LeBlanc. Today National Aboriginal Day is part of the annual nation-wide Celebrate Canada with celebrations centering around National Aboriginal Day, but continuing through St-Jean Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day and concluding with Canada Day.

Edmonton National Aboriginal Day Committee

The Edmonton National Aboriginal Day Committee (NAD) is a volunteer-based group of organizations and individuals who come together to coordinate NAD activities and showcase the Aboriginal people: First Nation, Métis and Inuit. Through a collaborative approach, the committee encourages all nations to share in the celebrations.

For More Information

Indigenous Relations Office