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10 Indigenous Events in Edmonton to Support and Appreciate
- National Indigenous Peoples Day
- International Indigenous Film Festival
- Flying Canoë Volant
- Night Market at the River Cree
- Enoch Cree Nation Annual Competition Powwow
- Indigenous Peoples Experience
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Royal Alberta Museum Indigenous Engagements
- Rubaboo Arts Festival
- Indigenous Artist Market Collective
Edmonton hosts lots of festivals each year, and there are so many Indigenous events that we can support. It’s the perfect place and time to appreciate their culture and history—after all, there’s a large Indigenous population in the city.
Make way for the best Indigenous events that you can go to, whether you want to meet new people, watch talented performers, or purchase original and authentic Indigenous artworks.
Mark your calendars and see our curated list of the best events by the Indigenous Peoples in the city. Time to gather the communities together!
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Media credit: yegshapers
Where: Various locations in Edmonton
When: June 21
One of the most celebrated Indigenous events in Edmonton is the National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated annually on June 21st. It’s the day when we recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and resilience of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis all across Canada.
On this day, there are lots of celebrations all over Edmonton. Various places and museums will host events to celebrate the day as well.
Get ready to watch incredible performances, learn about culture and history, join in on fun activities, taste local food, and purchase handcrafted products that highlight the Indigenous culture.
Expect a few days of celebration in Edmonton, but it’s going to be a fun and educational celebration (as it always is every year!).
Pro Tip:
National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated all over the country. To find the events near you, check out the website and various social media channels, and look out for the “official” hashtag (last year, it was #NIPD2024).
International Indigenous Film Festival
Media credit: dreamspeakers
Where: Metro Cinema – Garneau Theatre (2023 venue)
When: Around the end of April, possibly until early May
Contact: (780) 378-9609, [email protected]
The Dreamspeakers Festival Society hosts the Dreamspeakers International Indigenous Film Festival every year. It was the first Indigenous People film festival in Canada (it started in 1992).
This was founded by Indigenous filmmakers and creatives and is now an essential source to support the Indigenous Peoples. And it’s more than just a film festival—it’s a platform where we can show up for the Indigenous Peoples in film and media.
You can enjoy a long lineup of diverse local and international films by talented filmmakers. You can watch animated movies, documentaries, feature films, short films, and more!
Plus, this also provides various events for an engaging experience, such as workshops and panels. You can even participate in Q and As with the actors and directors!
Pro Tip:
Don’t worry if you cannot go to the screenings because you can still watch the films online. Remember that you still need to purchase a ticket for the online screenings.
Flying Canoë Volant
Media credit: yegcanoevolant
Where: 8627 91 St, and on various places in Mill Creek Ravine and the French Quarter
When: January – February
Enter a magical world with Flying Canoë Volant, a family-friendly winter festival that celebrates the French-Canadian, First Nations and Métis cultures through a cool, chilly, and interactive adventure!
This Indigenous event in Edmonton was based on the Flying Canoë (also known as the La Chasse-galerie). In this French-Canadian story, a group of voyageurs have been doomed to fly the skies for all eternity after making a deal with the devil.
But this event is a complete 180 from the story. Hop into a non-magical canoe and race down a snowy hill on the French Quarter and Mill Creek Ravine.
Plus, you can enjoy a bunch of indoor and outdoor activities, such as cross-curricular school programs, live music, and interactive games. Discover delicious food because there are many free samples and food trucks!
Pro Tips:
Watch the website and socials of Flying Canoë Volant. They upload a site map so you can see where the activities and the best parking sites are. Check their updates because the usual parking areas may be snowed in.
The Flying Canoë Volant attracts thousands of visitors each year. Don’t forget to register before it gets full!
Night Market at the River Cree
Media credit: foamfighters
Where: River Cree Resort and Casino, 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Enoch
When: June
The annual Night Market at the River Cree, an event presented by the Enoch Cree Nation, is the largest outdoor Indigenous market in Canada. It’s a place where you can support many Indigenous artisans.
Discover talented Indigenous vendors (there are over a hundred!) selling various handmade products, such as jewellery, clothing, and artworks. There are also food trucks selling delicious food that will keep your tummy happy!
The event is held at the parking lot of the River Cree Resort and Casino. There’s a small admission fee (it was only $5 in 2024), which is totally affordable since you get to discover new creators and vendors!
Pro Tip:
The night market is in Enoch, which is only a 30-minute drive from Edmonton. If you plan on staying in Enoch for a few days, you can stay at the River Cree Resort (the night market’s venue), but book early to get a reservation.
Enoch Cree Nation Annual Competition Powwow
Media credit: enochcreenation
Where: Enoch Cree Nation Pow Wow Grounds
When: July
The Enoch Cree Nation Annual Competition Powwow is an event where the Indigenous Peoples can join together and celebrate traditions and cultures. Everyone is welcome to dance, sing, and watch the competitions.
It’s a multi-day event with plenty of activities to join, such as sports and competitions. After participating in fun activities, you can satisfy your cravings because there are many vendors selling delicious local food!
Plus, you can discover new products made by talented crafters, such as jewellery and clothing. It’s a fun event that celebrates the Indigenous culture, and it’s absolutely family-friendly (they even provide seating specifically for the elderly).
Pro Tip:
Be respectful to the performers, vendors, and guests. Practice proper etiquette for a fun and safe celebration.
Indigenous Peoples Experience
Media credit: fortedmontonpark
Where: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St NW
When: Sometime in the first quarter of the year
Visit Fort Edmonton Park and check out the Indigenous Peoples Experience, where you can learn about the history and culture of the Indigenous Peoples. It’s the perfect place to appreciate the teachings and artifacts that reflect resilience.
At this award-winning exhibit, you can watch Indigenous performers, learn about history through Elders and historians, and listen to impactful personal stories.
It will give you first-hand knowledge that can help provide a new perspective of what they and their ancestors went through.
Bring the whole family and discover the teachings of the Cree, Dene, Nakota, Anishinaabe, Blackfoot, and Michif Nations. It surely is an eye-opening experience.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to purchase your ticket online, as they won’t be available on-site. Also, check the updated parking instructions since some areas will be closed off.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Media credit: orangeshirtdaygp
Where: All over Canada
When: September 30
On September 30, the Indigenous Peoples mourn the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is not an event for entertainment but a time to honour the stolen children and survivors of residential schools that operated in Canada until 1996.
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, we can help bring awareness to the impact of the residential school system on the Indigenous Peoples.
The name actually came from Phyllis Webstad’s orange shirt that her grandmother bought her, which was stripped of her at her residential school and never returned.
In light of what the Indigenous children went through, we can all (this includes non-Indigenous) reflect and educate our fellow Canadians for a future free from discrimination and racism.
Pro Tip:
Check out the Orange Shirt Day Instagram for events to support the children, survivors, and their families and communities. You can listen to keynote speakers, watch performances, and support Indigenous businesses.
Royal Alberta Museum Indigenous Engagements
Where: 9810 103a Ave NW
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10 am – 4 pm
- Thursday: 10 am – 8 pm
- Friday – Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Daily Admission:
- Adult (18 – 64): $21
- Senior 65+: $14
- Youth (7 – 17): $10
- Family: $50
- Child 6 and Under: Free
So, this is not an annual event. Instead, you can join various Indigenous engagements year-round at the Royal Alberta Museum, where you can learn about their rich culture and history.
There are around 18,000 pieces from Indigenous culture, dating from the mid-1800s to the present. And the collections continue to grow, which are collected and stored in a respectful manner.
The best part is the museum asked for guidance and consulted with Elders and knowledge-keepers on how to properly handle these objects. And don’t miss out on Indigenous programs held at the museum as a way to gain more knowledge.
Pro Tip:
On Family Day in February, the museum offers free admission to all visitors. You can also get free admission on Alberta Culture Days weekend during Seniors Week (for seniors only).
Rubaboo Arts Festival
Media credit: rubabooartsfest
Where: Various venues/theatres in Edmonton
When: Varies per year
The Rubaboo Arts Festival has been around for 15 years, showcasing Aboriginal theatre, music, dance, art, cultural workshops, crafts, and youth events.
The word rubaboo is actually a Métis-Michif word, which means a stew or a soup that trappers use to make on the trap line.
It’s hosted by the Dreamspeakers Festival Society and is basically a multi-disciplinary arts fest highlighting the talents of the Indigenous Peoples.
This arts festival has a theme each year (the 2024 theme was You Are Loved). During this time, you can watch performances by talented artists that highlight the Indigenous Peoples, their history, culture, and struggles.
Pro Tips:
Various events will be happening for several days. Make sure you check the calendar for the schedule so you can purchase tickets for your most-awaited events!
To get the best value for money, check out the full festival pass. This gives you access to the whole festival for a cheaper price than buying multiple single tickets.
Indigenous Artist Market Collective
Media credit: i.a.mcollective2018
Where:
- Year-round: Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, 10310 83 Ave NW
- May – October & November – March: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St NW
When:
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
- Saturday: 8 am – 3 pm
Fort Edmonton Park
- May – October: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
- November – March: Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm
If you want to support the Indigenous communities, you can do that all year round! The Indigenous Artist Market Collective, or IAM, is an art collaboration of over 70 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists who sell authentic Indigenous art and crafts.
This is not your ordinary market— this is the event where the Indigenous Peoples can share their culture and history. You can show your support by purchasing clothing, jewellery, artwork, body care, or various other handcrafted stuff!
You can find them at Old Strathcona Farmers Market all year round. On a seasonal basis, you can drop by their store in Fort Edmonton Park at the Indigenous Peoples Experience building.
What’s incredible is that IAM hosts workshops and programs where you can learn new skills. Everyone is welcome because it’s a way to bring communities closer together.
Pro Tip:
Watch their socials because they’re also invited to various festivals. You can pop in and show your support at these events as well!
