National Indigenous Peoples Day

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

Journée nationale des peuples autochtones - 21 juin – Le solstice d’été! 

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 – 6 p.m. 

At the Gazebo and Park Areas

Join MC Janine Windolph, Director of Indigenous Arts at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, as we welcome you for an afternoon of storytelling, performances and tipi displays.  

We start the celebrations at 1:30 p.m. with Violet M. Meguinis, Tsuut’ina Nation Elder and Consultation Director, offering a blessing, followed by Mayor Corrie DiManno’s official welcome.  

• 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.  
  Performance time: 1:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.  
• Wendy Walker and the Tribe return with a blend of contemporary and traditional vocals and drumming. Wendy Walker is a Calgary-based Cree, Métis and Mi’kmaq First Nations singer-songwriter. 
  Performance time: 2:30 p.m. 
• The Nakoda Nation dance troupe will share some beautiful traditional dances and songs of the Îyârhe (Stoney Nakoda) nation.   
  Performance time: 3:30 p.m. 
• Panic Station, an alt-rock dynamic duo from Canmore, Alberta. Panic Station combines the powerful guitar licks and compelling lyrics of Adam Bronsch and the energetic rock & roll drumming of Eli Twoyoungmen. 
  Performance time: 4:15 p.m. 
• Tipi Displays, all afternoon. The Iyethka (Stoney Nakoda) Holloway family will provide an educational cultural experience and storytelling. And visit the Blackfoot tipi as well for more storytelling! 
• Visit the Farmers Market hosted on National Indigenous Day, until 6 p.m.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

West Museum Grounds on Bow Avenue 2 – 5 p.m. 

• Experience a Taste of Cultures with samples of delicious Indigenous dishes using traditional ingredients from a variety of Indigenous chefs and cooks*, from the Îyârhe (Stoney Nakoda), Enoch Cree Maskekosik, Keeseekoose - Anishinaabe and Tsuut’ina nations.  
  *while quantities last
• Îyârhe (Stoney Nakoda) Tipi: Whyte Museum is the caretaker of this Stoney Nakoda Tipi made by the Stevens Family.  Tracey and Phillomene Stevens will be providing a taste of Stoney food from the tipi! 
• Join the Whyte Museum and Metis artist, Tiffany Wollman, for a community bird mural program created with Blackfoot artist Hali Heavyshield. 
• In partnership with artsPlace Canmore, kids’ creative kits and artwork printout will be available* to help you be inspired by the Îyârhe (Stoney Nakoda) artists and understand the difference between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation. 
• Listen to the stripped-down version of alt-rock dynamic duo Panic Station, with Eli Twoyougmen with tiny drums, setup with a cajon, and Adam Bronsch using a hybrid acoustic/electric guitar.  
  Performance time: After opening ceremony – 3:15 p.m.  

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 

Le visuel de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones comprend certains des mêmes éléments que celui du Mois national de l'histoire autochtone. Le soleil, représenté par la date « 21 juin », reste au centre pour démontrer son importance dans les festivités. Les Premières Nations, les Inuit et les Métis, ainsi que les quatre éléments de la nature (la terre, l'eau, le feu et l'air) sont représentés par différents symboles et couleurs. Le tout est soutenu par une fumée* multicolore rappelant la spiritualité autochtone mais aussi les couleurs de l'arc-en-ciel, symbole de l'inclusion et de la diversité de toutes les communautés des Premières Nations, des Inuit et des Métis ainsi que de leurs membres.

*La fumée est utilisée de diverses façons par les trois groupes autochtones au Canada. Que ce soit pour la cuisson du poisson ou de la viande, pour brûler la sauge et le tabac, pour les cérémonies sacrées ou les célébrations, la fumée est un symbole significatif de la culture autochtone.

Description des trois icônes :

• L'aigle représente les Premières Nations
• Le narval représente les Inuit
• Le violon représente les Métis

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 Îyârhe Nakoda of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney 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.