Indigenous History Month in Lethbridge and Area
Indigenous People's Month in Lethbridge and Area
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada! Originally designated as National Aboriginal History Month in 2009 by the House of Commons, it was renamed in 2017. This month is the time to honour the resilience, achievements, and stories of the Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit peoples. There are numerous ways to go about doing so, from supporting Indigenous businesses to learning about their history. In Lethbridge, we are lucky to have many opportunities to learn about the unique culture, traditions, and experiences of the Blackfoot. Read below to learn about some of the ways you can celebrate and learn about Indigenous history and culture this month!
Our Indigenous Experiences Tour on the Explore Lethbridge App is the perfect way to explore the deep history, artistry, and living traditions of the Blackfoot people and other Indigenous cultures connected to the land now known as Lethbridge. This journey highlights meaningful sites, experiences, and events that bring Indigenous stories to the forefront.
Events in Lethbridge and Area
Sunday, June 21, 2026 - National Indigenous People's Day at Lethbridge Public Library
Live Entertainment, Vendors, Food Trucks, Activities, and more!
Sunday, June 21, 2026 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
National Indigenous History Month at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
National Indigenous People's Day - Sunday, June 21, 2026
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Drumming, dancing, guided tours, storytelling and interpretive programming
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - Special Guests: Provincial Archives of Alberta and the Alberta Birds of Prey Display
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Learn about Alberta’s history with the Provincial Archives of Alberta, explore Indigenous archival resources, and meet Sarah the Golden Eagle and other birds from the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre. The event also features guided tours, interpretive programming, and on-site food vendors.
Sunday, June 21, 2026 - National Indigenous People's Day at The Fort Museum
The Fort Museum of the NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre
Drumming, dancing, and interpretive programming
Monday, June 22, 2026 - Pemmican Making Workshop at The Fort Museum
The Fort Museum of the NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre
Evening Workshop: Learn how to make nutrient-dense, traditional, all-natural Blackfoot-style pemmican
Places to Learn, Connect, and Experience
The Galt Museum
The Galt Museum should be your first stop if you are looking to learn more about Indigenous culture and history in Lethbridge. The museum is committed to preserving Indigenous culture in Lethbridge, working with multiple Blackfoot educators and elders to promote their history, traditions, and ways of knowing. An important part of this preservation, however, is teaching others. To do so the Galt host multiple events throughout the year and includes pieces of Blackfoot history in their exhibits. You will even be able to take a look at some Indigenous art and purchase pieces made by these incredile artisans at the museum's gift shop.
For those really looking to deepen their knowledge, the Galt Museum offers online Blackfoot language workbooks. A language is the lifeblood of a culture, and preserving it is just as important as its history. We encourage all Lethbridge and region residents to check it out and try to learn a few new words. You likely already know "Oki", which means "welcome" in Blackfoot!
In 2022, the Galt Museum received a Blackfoot name: Akaisamitohkanao’pa. This name was given through the joint work of the Galt and Niitsitapi Elders Bruce Wolf Child (Makoyiippookaa, Wolf Child) and Mary Fox (Mia’nistitsiiksiinaakii, Many Different Snake Woman). The name, meaning "long time meeting place", is meant to recognize the museum's place with in the history, culture, and social fabric of Niitsitapissksahkoyi (Blackfoot Territory).
Fort Whoop-Up
Originally built to be a replica of the historic Fort Hamilton, Fort Whoop-Up is continuously working to preserve, promote, and celebrate Indigenous culture in Lethbridge. If you've visited Fort Whoop-Up before, you likely know that they teach visitors about the history of trading posts in Southern Alberta. What you may not know, however, is that they are always working to include Indigenous stories into their history. Beginning in summer 2025, they have even included new aspects of Indigenous culture, like the connection to the land, that many visitors do not yet know about.
Fort Whoop-Up also hosts multiple Indigenous events like dancing and Powwows throughout the year to honour their unique and rich cultural history. We strongly recommend you find some free time to check out one of these amazing events!
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
There is no better place in the province to spend Indigenous People's Month than at the Incredible UNESCO World HeritageSite, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump! This historic site is integral to Indigenous history and culture. Accompanied by an award-winning museum, Head-Smashed-In invites you to immerse yourself in Plains Buffalo Culture. There are three floors packed to the brim with information on the use of buffalo jumps, a short informative film to watch, and of course trails that take you the the jump itself. With so much information, it will be
Every Wednesday in July and August, Head-Smashed-In hosts Indigenous drumming and dancing on their outdoor plaza. There is no better way to celebrate the vibrancy of Blackfoot culture than to witness it with your own eyes!
Blackfoot Crossings Historical Park
Located on the Siksika reserve, this newly-renovated facility is the perfect place to visit for an authentic Blackfoot cultural experience. Blackfoot Crossings Historical Park will take you on a journey of fantastic exhibitions and rich performances. They are a nationally recognized historic site, meaning you are guaranteed an enjoyable and informative experience.
Blackfoot Crossings aims to promote and preserve the history, culture, and traditions of the Siksika Nation. They celebrate the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples, and share it with all who come to visit. The centre has multiple interactive exhibits, teaching visitors about everything from historical figures like Chief Crowfoot to experiences like the traditional Blackfoot way of life. If you want a more structured visit, guided tours are also offered.
Fort Macleod Museum of the North West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre
The Fort Macleod Museum of the North West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre is a must visit if you will be driving along highway 3 this summer. This museum tells the story of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), the role they played in the whiskey trade, and their first contact with the Blackfoot Nations. The Fort museum also has a variety of Indigenous goods available for sale if you want to support our local Blackfoot artists and writers!