June 21 is National Aboriginal Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day. For generations, many Indigenous Peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

Half the population that Terra serves are indigenous. We are pleased to share Terra has an Aboriginal Elder in Residence whose presence helps our staff and young parents learn about and participate in the culture. We know that for many of our young families connecting to their culture creates a path to more positive lifestyles.

In 2015 the Truth and Reconciliation Report was released.  The commission’s report encourages personal action. An excerpt: 

“People need to get to know each other. They need to learn how to speak to, and about, each other respectfully. They need to learn how to speak knowledgeably about the history of this country. And they need to ensure that their children learn how to do so as well.”

This week, we encourage you to take personal action. Below are a few community events that honour and celebrate the cultures and history of Indigenous peoples.

June 19, 2017

Alberta Indigenous Relations

Please join us, enjoy some bannock and tea, and celebrate the unique cultures of Indigenous peoples.

Date: Monday, June 19
Time: 11:30am-1:15pm
Location: Edmonton City Centre Mall West (Street Level–Outside The Bay)

For more information, visit Alberta Indigenous Relations or contact Kellie Freeborn at 780-427-6143 or email kellie.freeborn@gov.ab.ca

June 20, 2017

Treaty Chiefs Employment and Training Services Association, Enoch Cree Nation and Edmonton International Airport

Traditional Indigenous culture through dance, music and art.

Date: Tuesday, June 20
Time: 11:45am-1:15pm
Location: Edmonton International Airport, outside at
arrivals (in front of Door 8 – 9)

For more information, contact Eva John-Gladue at 780-481-8585 or email evajohn@telus.net.

June 21, 2017 – National Aboriginal Day

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)

Free all day festival followed by a concert from 6-10pm. No public parking is available on site.

Date: Wednesday, June 21
Time: 10am-10pm
Location: Victoria Park

For more information, visit Aboriginal Day Live, contact Charlene Bearhead at 780-932-3520 or email wahasaypa@gmail.com.

Government of Canada Partnership Committee

Free event. All nations are welcomed to share in the celebration!

Date: Wednesday, June 21
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: Canada Place

For more information, visit Government of Canada, contact Heather Poitras at 780-495-6728 or email Heather.Poitras@aandc.gc.ca

Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society

Bring your own lawn chairs.

Date: Wednesday, June 21
Time: 8:30am-12:30pm
Location: Bent Arrow/Parkdale School

For more information, visit Bent Arrow , contact the Community Events Committee at 780-481-3451 or email reception@bentarrow.ca.

Bissell Centre

Street festival will include drumming, dancers, art activities, traditional stew and bannock.

Date: Wednesday, June 21
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: 96 Street (between the Bissell Centre buildings)

For more information, visit Bissell Centre, contact Amanda Power at 780-423-2285 ext. 134 or email apower@bissellcentre.org

The Red Road Healing Society, Canada 150, E4C, Norwood Parent Link, SAGE, City of Edmonton, Creating Hope Society, Candora Society

Join us for our Mitakuye Oyasin “We Are All Related” Reconciliation Traditional Memorial Pow Wow, Canada 150 Activities, Information Booth Walkway, Community Showcase, National Aboriginal Day Events, Food Fun and Laughter.

Bring your family, blankets and lawn chairs to settle in for an awesome afternoon and evening.

Date: Wednesday, June 21
Time: 3-10pm
Location: RJ Scott School – School Grounds and Gymnasium

For more information, visit The Red Road Healing Society Facebook Page or email either Joanne Pompana or Tyrann Gregory.

June 23, 2017

Aboriginal Day Celebration – #GetUpAndDance

Traditional drumming, dancing, entertainment, cultural teachings, crafts, local vendors and much more!

Date: Friday, June 23
Time: 9am-3:30pm
Location: Heritage Park & Pavilion

For more information, contact Karen Boisvert at 780-475-3946 or email karen.boisvert@mcman.ca

Alberta Health Services, Indigenous Wellness Clinic

Come and meet the staff and physicians at the Indigenous Wellness Clinic. Bannock and stew will be provided at lunch.

Date: Friday, June 23
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Royal Alexandra Hospital – Anderson Hall, Second floor

For more information, visit Alberta Health Services–Indigenous Health, contact Melanie Hennig at 780-735-5326 or email mel.hennig@ahs.ca

June 24, 2017

Métis Nation of Alberta / Métis Crossing

Metis Crossing will be hosting a public event in celebration of Aboriginal Day. This year’s event will be in celebration of Canada 150, with a focus on the many Metis contributions to Canada’s history. We are excited to be including a fish fry, various entertainment and Metis cultural artisans on the site throughout the day. We are pleased to extend an invitation to your staff and their families to join us for the festivities.

Date: Saturday, June 24
Time: 11am-6pm
Location: Metis Crossing Heritage Site, Smoky Lake Alberta

For more information, visit Alberta Metis, contact Leon Boychuck-Hunter at 780-656-2229 or email metiscrossing@metis.org