Friday, June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day — part of National Indigenous History Month — as a time to honour the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada.
This day is rooted in recognition. It acknowledges the deep history of Indigenous Peoples on this land and the ongoing importance of Indigenous knowledge, languages and cultural expression in shaping the future of Canada — and Calgary.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is also a call to listen, reflect and engage with the stories, traditions and teachings of Indigenous communities year-round. In Calgary, the path toward truth, understanding and economic reconciliation is one we must walk together, intentionally and respectfully.
Events in Calgary: experience, learn, celebrate
Across the city, there are many opportunities to engage with Indigenous culture, history and community this weekend and beyond:
National Indigenous Peoples Day at Heritage Park
June 21 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy immersive cultural exhibits, performances and educational activities throughout the park.
Campfire Chats: A Celebration of Indigenous Music and Culture
June 21 | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Heritage Park Plaza
The University of Calgary and Heritage Park invite Calgarians to gather for stories and songs that celebrate Indigenous music, language and identity.
OHSOTO’KINO: National Indigenous Peoples Day at Studio Bell
June 21 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Explore Indigenous voices in music and dancers at Canada’s National Music Centre.
Calgary Public Library Programs
June 1 – 30
Special events: The Importance of Language – June 21 at 2:00 p.m.; Traditional Games – June 21, 12:30 p.m.
Celebrate Indigenous languages and culture through storytelling, learning and community events throughout the weekend
Walk for Reconciliation
June 21 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join the community on a walk from the Harry Hays Building to The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland to reflect on the history of this land and the survivors of the Residential School System.
Calgary Chamber Engagement Forum
June 24 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland
A dialogue on Indigenous inclusion in Calgary’s business community. (Ticketed event)
Discover more Indigenous experiences in Calgary
Tourism Calgary has compiled a directory of Indigenous-led activities and experiences, including artisan tours, guided walks and cultural events throughout the region.
Continue your learning journey
Learning about Indigenous histories and cultures is a lifelong process — one that plays a key role in reconciliation and shared prosperity. Here are a few resources to help deepen your understanding:
- Practice pronunciation of Treaty 7 Nations through Calgary Public Library’s audio guide.
- Explore the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada for interactive maps and histories.
- Learn more about each Nation in the Calgary region via the University of Calgary’s Indigenous research support resources.
- Dive into learning resources that deepen understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit ways of knowing with the Government of Alberta.
- Discover how the City of Calgary is advancing Indigenous procurement and opening new pathways for Indigenous-owned businesses.
- See the design finalists for the future Indian Residential School Memorial being planned by The City of Calgary.
Calgary’s commitment to inclusive growth
Creating an inclusive and accessible city for all — where everyone can build a life, a career and a business — is central to Uplook, Calgary’s economic action plan. Central to this vision includes working toward economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities through meaningful partnerships and shared prosperity.
Calgary Economic Development and the City of Calgary released the Indigenous Economic Contribution Study at the end of 2023, the first of its kind to benchmark the economic impact of Indigenous households, governments and businesses in Calgary and the Treaty 7 region.
The study found that the Indigenous economy generated a total GDP of $1.5 billion in 2021 — approximately 1.2 per cent of Calgary’s total GDP. That includes $540 million from First Nations governments, $450 million from Indigenous-owned businesses and $530 million from Indigenous households.
The report also outlined three key actions to advance economic reconciliation and increase Indigenous economic participation — support Indigenous procurement, strengthen Indigenous business development and attract more Indigenous-led events and gatherings to the city.
A path forward, together
Calgary’s story is inseparable from the history and futures of Indigenous Peoples. As we mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, we encourage all Calgarians to explore, reflect and take part in building a more inclusive and equitable city — one that recognizes the past and embraces a shared future.
Let this day be a spark for deeper connection and lasting action.
Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day on the Government of Canada’s website. To see how Calgary is working toward a more inclusive and accessible future, explore Uplook — our community’s economic action plan for shared prosperity and reconciliation.