06/20/2026
This Sunday, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. A time to recognize and honour the history, cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples across Canada.
Central Alberta is and has been home to First Nations and Métis Peoples long before Alberta became a province. We respectfully acknowledge that the city of Red Deer is located on Treaty 6 and 7 land, the traditional territory of the Cree to the north, the Blackfoot, Tsuut'ina and Stoney Nakoda to the south, and the Métis and Saulteaux Peoples. We honour these ancestral lands and the Indigenous Peoples who have lived here for millennia.
Here are some gatherings and activities that you can take part in:
National Indigenous Peoples Day Event
📅 June 21 | 11AM – 2:30PM | 4925 46 Street, Red Deer
Join the community for cultural presentations, historical displays, shared lunch, and an afternoon of singing, drumming, and jigging in celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage.
National Indigenous Peoples Day Dinner
📅 June 22| 5PM – 8PM | Festival Hall, 4214 58 Street
Enjoy food, community and culture! The evening will include dinner, a small giveaway, special powwow performances.
Visit recently opened Rooted in Tradition
📅 Sunday Hours: 11AM – 5PM | Parkland Mall, Entrance 4
Rooted in Tradition is a Métis‑owned shop built to give Indigenous makers a year-round place for their work to shine.
Learn about Indigenous Sport Heroes
📅 Sunday Hours: 10AM – 5PM | Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
View the 'Imagine A Canada' museum lobby exhibit, developed by the Legacy of Hope Foundation in partnership with the National Centre of Truth and Reconciliation, then head into the Hall and learn about Indigenous sport heroes in Alberta.
Visit Ellis Nature Centre
📅 Sunday Hours: 8AM – 6PM | Ellis Nature Centre, Lacombe County
The photo featured in this post is of Clare Butterfly, a local Cree knowledge keeper, artist an educator. Clare sewed, painted, and raised the tipi at Ellis Nature Centre this season. The tipi is to being used as part of the centre's education programming about Indigenous practices and traditions. The tipi is also open to the public, allowing visitors to view the artwork and experience the space.
To continue learning, supporting, and engaging with Indigenous culture and communities in our region, explore local organizations, resources, businesses, and cultural spaces such as: Fort Normandeau, Indigenous Tourism Alberta , Metis Nation of Alberta , Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, Red Deer Native Friendship Society - RDNFSRed Deer Polytechnic Indigenous Services, Red Deer Public Library, ReThink Red Deer , Shining Mountains LCS, Urban Indigenous Voices Society , and others throughout our region.
