June 16-22, 2024

Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary

Various locations

Monday, June 17

Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Week Opening Ceremonies

11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave. S.E.

Join in at the Olympic Plaza for the official kick off the Aboriginal Awareness Week at the Opening ceremonies on June 17th.

This is a free, open to all to come acknowledge, honor and celebrate our rich and diverse culture. There will be entertainment, speeches, vendors and snacks.

Friday, June 21
National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples 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. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples 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.

Join in for the 15th Annual Walk for Reconciliation

The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), 750 9 Ave. S.E.

8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

All are welcome to join the Walk for Reconciliation for an opportunity to reflect on the difficult history and atrocities of residential schools in Canada, the legacies of survivors, and steps we can take in the healing process as we move towards a stronger future together.

The walk will begin at 8:00 a.m., and after the walk there will be an outdoor gathering with performances by drummers and dancers, as well as speeches. You are also invited to join in after the gathering in the Burnswest Theatre for a screening of the documentary “What is Reconciliation” and talk afterwards with Marilyn North Peigan and Wendy English. Participants are encouraged to bring any banners, signs, or flags you would like to display during the Walk.

Saturday, June 22
National Indigenous Family Day & POW WOW

9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Stampede Grounds, Enmax Park

FREE Pancake Caravan Breakfast, Children’s Corner, AAWC Hand Games

Feature Attractions:

– Indigenous Arts & Crafts Market

– Children’s Corner

– POW WOW

– Exhibitions of Inuit and Metis

– Handgame Tournament

– Indigenous Idol

– Free BarbecueFree Admission

Indigenous Handgames Corporate Tournament Finals

1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Stampede Grounds, South Park

Oki, Tansi, Danit’ada, Aba-wath-tech, Paarutit, Hello!

The Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary theme for 2024 is “Inspiring Our Youth for Change” reflects the pride that our First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities take in their rich heritage, traditions, and cultures through being the caretakers of Mother Earth and water the giver of life.

The Elders and traditional teachings encourage acknowledging resilience in “Inspiring Our Youth for Change” for generations to come. This theme expresses how the traditional way of life honours Mother Earth and water the givers of life encourage to live a life that will inspire and produce healthy future generations.

In “Inspiring Our Youth for Change” they honour the past, present and future of communities and continue to walk in the footsteps of their grandfathers and grandmothers. Join in this celebration. The overall key messages are:

- Empowering the next generation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples to reclaim and instill pride, cultural knowledge and education in their communities by being positive role models.

- Moving forward as a nation to reclaim their identity and legacy through language and culture.

- Encouraging their community to walk a path of respect, reconciliation, honour, and courage, with thoughts of generations to come.

- Keeping the circle strong with traditions, songs, dances and languages.

The Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary (AAWC) Circle is an initiative to raise awareness and celebrate the cultural diversity of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

In the early 1990’s, Indigenous agencies serving the Indigenous community in Calgary began organizing events and celebrations during the week leading up to National Indigenous Day, held annually on June 21. The summer solstice is a culturally significant day for many Indigenous peoples and is now acknowledged by celebrations held in major cities across Canada.

For the past several years, AAWC has had a strong partnership with the Calgary Stampede Grounds – South Park this is still a sacred space for both the community as well as for visitors.