Calgarians set to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day

Wednesday is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis across Canada.

Several events are taking place around Calgary to mark the occasion. The city says it expects record attendance.

The 14th annual Walk for Reconciliation is set to start at 8:30 a.m. at the Harry Hays Building before ending at Fort Calgary.

It will also have an outdoor gathering with performances by drummers, dancers, and speeches, followed by a community meal catered by Spolumbo’s which is free for the first 200 participants.

The walk began in 2009 as a partnership between Trellis Society and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary to commemorate Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s formal apology to the survivors of Indian Residential Schools, according to the organizers.

Originally held on June 11, the walk was later moved to June 21 to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Organizers say all are welcome to join the walk for an opportunity to reflect on the difficult history and atrocities of Canada’s residential schools, the legacies of survivors and steps that can be taken to heal.

Related stories: 

• Canada should consider legal solution to fight residential school denialism: report

• Calgary Indigenous community gathers for hide preparation

A tipi transfer is also set for Wednesday morning at Prince’s Island Park at 8:30 a.m.

A Blackfoot Confederacy tipi will be transferred to Indigenous landscape strategist Crystal Many Fingers and director of parks and open spaces Kyle Ripley, the city says.

According to the city, space inside the tipi is limited to those essential to the ceremony, but some elements of the ceremony will take place outside the tipi, which the public is invited to witness.

After the ceremony, a celebration with traditional food, dancing, and drumming will take place in the park.

The city says this project “begins a new relationship between the city and the Blackfoot people based on trust and understanding.”

Heritage Park is also commemorating the day, hosting Indigenous games and dancing as well as “Campfire Chats: A Celebration of Indigenous Music” – a celebration of Indigenous culture through live music and performances.

Performers include Craig Ginn, Métis recording artist and UCalgary professor; Olivia Tail Feathers, traditional singer/songwriter from the Blood Tribe/Kainai Nation; Sandra Sutter, Cree Métis recording artist; and Rod Hunter and his drum group Eya-Hey Nakoda from Stoney Nakoda Nation.