National Indigenous Peoples Day

NIPD

National Indigenous Peoples Day is on June 21 - Summer Solstice! 

This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and ongoing contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

The Town of Banff will host performances, cultural conversations, food tastings and more, all free and accessible to residents and visitors. The Town is also promoting activities hosted by other organizations, including the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. 

If you have an activity we can help promote to the community, please email events@Banff.ca 

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.

Banff Central Park 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. 

At the Gazebo and Park Areas

Join activities in Central Park (Buffalo Street and Bear Street) starting at 1:30 p.m. for an afternoon of storytelling, performances, displays and engagement in traditional tipis. 

  • Blackfoot Medicine Speaks will feature an educational and entertaining cultural experience of Blackfoot storytelling, tipi display, and mesmerizing song and dance reflecting the connection to their ancestors, land, and the spirit of the Blackfoot people. 
  • Wendy Walker, a Calgary-based Cree, Métis and Mi’kmaq First Nations singer-songwriter, returns with Wendy Walker and the Tribe, a blend of contemporary and traditional vocals and drumming. 
  • Engagement with the Bearspaw First Nation, Gavin Ear and family.
  • Visit a tipi hosted by people of the Stoney Nakoda First Nations to hear from a Knowledge Keeper about stories and practices in the region
  • Visit the special Farmers Market hosted on National Indigenous Day

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

West Museum Grounds on Bow Avenue 2 – 4 p.m. 

  • Taste of Cultures – sample free, delicious dishes from a variety of Indigenous chefs and cooks 
  • Art Workshops – learn techniques from Indigenous artists and artisans to create your own work of art 

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Tunnel Mountain Drive 7:30 p.m. 

  • Get your tickets for the Eekwol concert at the Jenny Belzberg Theatre.
  • Find out about activities throughout June at the Banff Centre for National Indigenous Peoples Month: banffcentre.ca/NIPM 

Banff Land Acknowledgment

The lands on which the townsite of Banff is located is a traditional and sacred gathering place within Treaty 7 and the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi from the Blackfoot Confederacy, of whom the Kainai, Piikani and Siksika First Nations are part; the the Îyârhe Nakoda of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations; the Tsuut’ina First Nation; the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to enrich our vibrant community.

The Bow Valley has also long been important to the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc First Nations who traditionally occupied lands and used the watersheds of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers and the eastern slopes of the Rockies. The area was also used by the Mountain Cree clan of Peechee, and by the Dene peoples of the far north and far south.

We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting and work continuously to build a future on peace, mutual respect, and everlasting friendship.