June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It's a day to honour and celebrate the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich communities across the country - including the U of A.
On June 21, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across our five campuses will observe and celebrate the day in many different ways.
Here are seven you might want to try during National Indigenous Peoples Day 2018:
Photo courtesy of the Office of the Dean of Students
Hosted by the First Peoples' House, this second annual tournament helps to support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit learners on their higher education journey at the U of A.
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Join more than 2000 schoolchildren at Augustana campus, where the Camrose Arts Society and the Battle River school division are hosting Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. The event features drumming and dance performances at 12:30 and 1:45 p.m.
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Photo: Heidelberg Cement
U of A professor Tanya Harnett is guiding a tour of the exhibition LandMark, which features her own art alongside the works of U of A alumna Brenda Draney and Alberta artist Terrance Houle.
Did we mention that admission is free all day?
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Photo: EIP Festival
Join the faculties of Native Studies, ALES, and Engineering in Victoria Park for Edmonton's second annual Indigenous Peoples Festival. Running from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., the festival features a Pow-Wow, displays and interactive activities, an artisan marketplace, and several concerts and performances.
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The U of A is home to many pieces of Indigenous art across our campuses. Take a moment to visit some of these stunning works (or all of them, if you're feeling ambitious) on Indigenous Peoples Day.
Here's where you can find them:
Quad, North Campus
- The Sweetgrass Bear by Stewart Steinhauer
- Indigenous Methodology and the Rock Grandfather by Stewart Steinhauer (a temporary outdoor exhibit made up of three sculptures: The Hunter, Big Bear is Right, and The Eagle Child)
HUB, stairwell 8914
Coutts Library, Education South
- From Residential Schools to Reconciliation by Kevin Pee-ace
SUB, 2nd Floor
- Jerry Whitehead mural
University Station, east stairwell
- The River by Carla Rae Taylor, AJA Louden, Dana Belcourt, and Matthew Cardinal
Enterprise Square
- Treaty Bear Marker by Stewart Steinhauer
- Eaglechild by Stewart Steinhauer
Campus Saint-Jean
- L'Esprit Ours by Stewart Steinhauer
- Mother Bears Pray For Earth Healing by Stewart Steinhauer (temporary exhibition)
Augustana
- The Treaty Bear by Stewart Steinhauer
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If you haven't yet taken Indigenous Canada - the U of A's open online course exploring Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada - there couldn't be a better day to sign up.
Did you know it's now the most popular online course in the country?
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Photo: Bradcan
Finally, the Faculty of Native Studies will also partake in Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada's celebrations on the main floor of Canada Place. Festivities run from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., with the main event occurring over the lunch hour.