Indigenous People's Day 2024 in Lethbridge

Indigenous People's Day has been celebrated in Canada on June 21st since 1996. It serves as an opportunity to educate on the history of Indigenous Canadians and highlight all their incredible contributions to our country every day. There are many ways to learn about, celebrate, and honour the rich Indigenous history and culture integral to our national identity. Below is a list of many opportunities in Lethbridge to learn about and celebrate the incredible culture and contributions of the Indigenous people of Canada and honour Indigenous People's Day 2024!

Indigenous People’s Day at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

When: 11 AM - 5 PM Where: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

There is no better place in the province to spend Indigenous People's Day than at the Incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump! Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is integral to Indigenous history and culture. The site and its accompanying award-winning museum invite you to immerse yourself in Plains Buffalo Culture, including a special outdoor drumming performance on the outdoor plaza. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM on June 21st. 

Indigenous People's Day Celebrations At Galt 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 in downtown Lethbridge hosted by the Family Centre on Indigenous People's Day 2024! Dancers, drummers, and indigenous bands will be performing on the main stage throughout the day. Additionally, there will be a Kid's Corner, Indigenous Artisans Market, Tipi Village and more all day! This day at Galt Gardens is full of celebrations you surely don't want to miss on Indigenous People's Day!

Indigenous People’s Day at Fort Whoop-Up

When: 11 AM - 5 PM Where: Fort Whoop-Up

In line with their continued efforts to honour the Indigenous history and heritage of the land Lethbridge occupies, the Fort 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 of Canada. The celebrations will begin with the opening of the BuffaloMech Art Exhibition made by U of L students at 11 AM, followed by a welcome blessing by Guuyii Staa Baamuughkaa (Elder Raymond Many Bears) and Aagohhgiss stsistiigiiaakii (Elder Greta Many Bears) at 1 PM.

There will also be opportunities to explore the river bottom and the native plants, as well as the opportunity to learn buffalo hide tanning using traditional methods from 11 AM to 5 PM! Blanche Bruisedhead will also be there, offering Napi stories in the Tipi from 2 PM to 4 PM. As if there wasn't already more than enough to enjoy, there will also be wagon 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 great opportunities to honour Indigenous Peoples Day at Fort Whoop-up!

Indigenous People’s Day Celebrations at Blackfoot Crossings Historical Park

When: 11 AM - 3 PM Where: Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park

The Blackfoot Crossings Historical Park extends an open invitation to anyone looking to participate in Indigenous Peoples Day festivities. From 11 AM to 3 PM, the national historical site will waive admissions fees and offer a BBQ, Dancing and drumming performances, and Film screenings in their Facilities theatre. Everyone is welcome to come together in the spirit of reconciliation to pay respects to the richness of Siksika Culture and the resilience of the Indigenous community nationally.

Go Skate Day & Indigenous People’s Day with Borderline Skate Shop

When: 5 - 9 PM Where:Festival Square

Borderline Skate Shop will also host an event to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day and encourage everyone in the city to hit the streets and shred some concrete. Join Borderline from 5 – 9 PM at Festival Square for a pop-up skate park, free skate lessons, Indigenous dancing and drumming, cash prizes, and more!

Indigenous People’s Day at the Fort Macleod Museum of the North West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre.

When: 1 - 5 PM Where: The Fort Macleod Museum of the NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre

The Fort Macleod Museum of the North West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre will be hosting Indigenous People’s Day activities and performances all day long, beginning at 1 PM on June 21st. They will be serving traditional food, including fry bread and berry soup, alongside performances by Indigenous drummers and dancers throughout the day. Don’t miss this chance to experience the Fort Museums and interpretive center unlike any other time of the year!

Indigenous People’s Day Celebrations and information’s Seminar Hosted by the Lethbridge BiPOC Foundation

When: 2:30 - 7:40 PM Where: University of Lethbridge Science Atrium

The Lethbridge Chapter of the BiPOC Foundation will be hosting their own Indigenous People’s Day event at the University of Lethbridge Campus in the Science Atrium from 2:30 – 7:40 PM. The event will have multiple portions, including an elder blessing, a networking and appetizers segment, group activities, guest speakers, live performances, a giveaway auction, and much more. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets to this Indigenous People’s Day event, click the button below!

Indigenous People’s Day at the Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch

When: 12 - 4 PM Where: Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch

The Lethbridge public library will also be offering a selection of activities and events throughout the day to honor the heritage and contributions of the indigenous people of Canada. There will be rock 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 the day.


Indigenous People's Day at the University of Lethbridge

When: June 19th, 12 – 5 PM Where: The University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge will host an Indigenous People's Day event on June 19th, with opening ceremonies at noon, followed by an artisan market, Indigenous drummers and dancers, and a Teepee village. There will also be a youth blanket exercise at 1:30 PM and an adult blanket exercise at 5 PM.