Indigenous People's Month in Lethbridge and Area
Indigenous People's Month in Lethbridge and Area
Indigenous People's Day has been celebratedin Canada on June 21st since 1996. It serves as an opportunity to educate onthe history of Indigenous Canadians and highlight all their incrediblecontributions to our country every day. There are many ways to learn about,celebrate, and honour the rich Indigenous history and culture integral to ournational identity. Below is a list of many opportunities in Lethbridge to learnabout and celebrate the incredible culture and contributions of the Indigenouspeople of Canada and honour Indigenous People's Day 2024!
Indigenous People’s Day atHead-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
When: 11 AM - 5 PM Where:Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
There is no better place in the province tospend Indigenous People's Day than at the Incredible UNESCO World HeritageSite, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump! Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is integral toIndigenous history and culture. The site and its accompanying award-winningmuseum invite you to immerse yourself in Plains Buffalo Culture, including aspecial outdoor drumming performance on the outdoor plaza. Head-Smashed-InBuffalo Jump will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM on June 21st.
Indigenous People's Day Celebrations AtGalt Gardens
When: 12 - 7 PM Where: Galt Gardens
There is a full-day lineup of festivities,performances, and a chance to explore Indigenous culture at Galt Gardens indowntown Lethbridge hosted by the Family Centre on Indigenous People's Day2024! Dancers, drummers, and indigenous bands will be performing on the mainstage throughout the day. Additionally, there will be a Kid's Corner,Indigenous Artisans Market, Tipi Village and more all day! This day at GaltGardens is full of celebrations you surely don't want to miss on IndigenousPeople's Day!
Indigenous People’s Day at Fort Whoop-Up
When: 11 AM - 5 PM Where: FortWhoop-Up
In line with their continued efforts tohonour the Indigenous history and heritage of the land Lethbridge occupies, theFort Whoop-Up Replica Fort is opening its doors on June 21st to celebrate,honour, and educate on the history and heritage of the Indigenous people ofCanada. The celebrations will begin with the opening of the BuffaloMech ArtExhibition made by U of L students at 11 AM, followed by a welcome blessing byGuuyii Staa Baamuughkaa (Elder Raymond Many Bears) and Aagohhgissstsistiigiiaakii (Elder Greta Many Bears) at 1 PM.
There will also be opportunities to explorethe river bottom and the native plants, as well as the opportunity to learnbuffalo hide tanning using traditional methods from 11 AM to 5 PM! BlancheBruisedhead will also be there, offering Napi stories in the Tipi from 2 PM to4 PM. As if there wasn't already more than enough to enjoy, there will also bewagon rides happening throughout the day, as well as Bannock-covered hotdogs!No matter when you can make it down to Fort Whoop-Up, there are lots of greatopportunities to honour Indigenous Peoples Day at Fort Whoop-up!
Indigenous People’s Day Celebrations atBlackfoot Crossings Historical Park
When: 11 AM - 3 PM Where: BlackfootCrossing Historical Park
The Blackfoot Crossings Historical Parkextends an open invitation to anyone looking to participate in IndigenousPeoples Day festivities. From 11 AM to 3 PM, the national historical site willwaive admissions fees and offer a BBQ, Dancing and drumming performances, andFilm screenings in their Facilities theatre. Everyone is welcome to cometogether in the spirit of reconciliation to pay respects to the richness ofSiksika Culture and the resilience of the Indigenous community nationally.
Go Skate Day & Indigenous People’sDay with Borderline Skate Shop
When: 5 - 9 PM Where:Festival Square
Borderline Skate Shop will also host anevent to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day and encourage everyone in the cityto hit the streets and shred some concrete. Join Borderline from 5 – 9 PM atFestival Square for a pop-up skate park, free skate lessons, Indigenous dancingand drumming, cash prizes, and more!
Indigenous People’s Day at the FortMacleod Museum of the North West Mounted Police and First Nations InterpretiveCentre.
When: 1 - 5 PM Where: The Fort MacleodMuseum of the NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre
The Fort Macleod Museum of the North WestMounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre will be hosting IndigenousPeople’s Day activities and performances all day long, beginning at 1 PM onJune 21st. They will be serving traditional food, including fry bread and berrysoup, alongside performances by Indigenous drummers and dancers throughout theday. Don’t miss this chance to experience the Fort Museums and interpretivecenter unlike any other time of the year!
Indigenous People’s Day Celebrations andinformation’s Seminar Hosted by the Lethbridge BiPOC Foundation
When: 2:30 - 7:40 PM Where: Universityof Lethbridge Science Atrium
The Lethbridge Chapter of the BiPOCFoundation will be hosting their own Indigenous People’s Day event at theUniversity of Lethbridge Campus in the Science Atrium from 2:30 – 7:40 PM. Theevent will have multiple portions, including an elder blessing, a networkingand appetizers segment, group activities, guest speakers, live performances, agiveaway auction, and much more. For the full schedule and to purchase ticketsto this Indigenous People’s Day event, click the button below!
Indigenous People’s Day at theLethbridge Public Library Main Branch
When: 12 - 4 PM Where: Lethbridge PublicLibrary Main Branch
The Lethbridge public library will also beoffering a selection of activities and events throughout the day to honor theheritage and contributions of the indigenous people of Canada. There will berock dot art all day at the main branch, with story time, an elder blessing,free indigenous tacos, a Niitoyis Craft, and a beading workshop throughout theday.
Indigenous People's Day at theUniversity of Lethbridge
When: June 19th, 12 – 5 PM Where: TheUniversity of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge will host anIndigenous People's Day event on June 19th, with opening ceremonies at noon,followed by an artisan market, Indigenous drummers and dancers, and a Teepeevillage. There will also be a youth blanket exercise at 1:30 PM and an adultblanket exercise at 5 PM.