Indigenous Voices Lead a Weekend of Celebration at Heritage Park

Calgary, Alta. — Drumming, dancing, storytelling and celebration take centre stage at Heritage Park on June 20 and 21 as Indigenous artists, performers, Elders, knowledge keepers and community leaders come together to celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.

On June 20, Heritage Park welcomes guests for a day of Indigenous-led music, movement, cultural sharing and community celebration. Visitors can explore the Indigenous Market, experience Music is Medicine with Dr. Lindsay Crowshoe, participate in Powwow Fit, enjoy Métis jigging demonstrations and gather for the University of Calgary’s Campfire Chats: A Celebration of Indigenous Music and Culture. The day concludes with Bring Your Kokum Scarf: Sober After Party, an evening of music, dance and community at Gasoline Alley Museum.

National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations continue on June 21 with teachings, performances and cultural experiences led by Indigenous Elders, storytellers, performers and knowledge keepers. Guests can take part in Movement as Medicine, explore treaty teachings with Henri Giroux, experience Smalleyes Family Powwow Demonstrations, discover Métis cultural traditions and visit the Indigenous Market throughout the day.

The June 21 celebration officially begins at 10 a.m., when The Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations, joins Heritage Park to help open National Indigenous Peoples Day festivities and recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Alberta.

Lindsey Galloway (Makoyi Kyikkyinom, White Wolf), President & CEO, Heritage Park, received his Blackfoot name from Elder Clarence Wolfleg in recognition of his leadership and Heritage Park’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity.

“National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day create opportunities to celebrate the cultures, traditions and stories that have shaped this land for generations,” says Galloway. “We are honoured to welcome Indigenous artists, Elders, performers, knowledge keepers and community members to share their voices, experiences and traditions. Through Indigenous-led
experiences, guests can learn, connect and celebrate while gaining a deeper appreciation for the strength, diversity and vibrancy of Indigenous communities.”

For Anita Crowshoe, Senior Indigenous Engagement Advisor at Heritage Park, the weekend reflects the power of Indigenous-led storytelling and the importance of creating spaces where Indigenous communities can share their cultures, traditions and lived experiences in their own voices.

“National Indigenous History Month is a celebration of who we are as Indigenous Peoples and an opportunity to share our stories, cultures and teachings with one another,” says Crowshoe. “When Indigenous voices lead these conversations and experiences, they create meaningful opportunities for connection, understanding and celebration. Whether guests are learning something new, reconnecting with their own culture or simply sharing in the experience, these gatherings honour the generations who came before us, celebrate our communities today and help inspire future generations to carry our cultures forward with pride.”

Beyond the Historical Village, Heritage Plaza becomes a vibrant gathering place where Indigenous artisans, makers, performers and community organizations share their work, stories and experiences through markets, performances and community activations. These experiences complement the Indigenous-led storytelling and cultural programming taking place throughout the Park, creating opportunities for guests to connect, learn and celebrate together.

Stories, Teachings & Celebrations Across the Park

Music is Medicine | June 20
Dr. Lindsay Crowshoe explores the power of music, culture and connection through an engaging Indigenous-led experience that celebrates the role of music in healing, community and storytelling.

UCalgary Campfire Chats: A Celebration of Indigenous Music & Culture | June 20
Presented in partnership with the University of Calgary, this annual gathering brings together Indigenous artists and performers for an evening of music, storytelling and cultural celebration. Free admission to this event for all.

Bring Your Kokum Scarf | Sober After Party | June 20 from 6-11 p.m.
Gasoline Alley Museum transforms into a vibrant sober celebration featuring Indigenous artists, music, dance, fashion and community gathering in an alcohol-free environment that centres culture, connection and joy.

Indigenous Market | June 20 & 21
Indigenous artisans, makers and entrepreneurs showcase handcrafted goods, artwork and products while sharing stories, traditions and contemporary Indigenous creativity.

Movement as Medicine | June 21 | Sold-Out
Led by the Matriarch Movement, these wellness experiences explore movement, mindfulness and connection through Indigenous-led teachings and practices.

Storytelling with Henri Giroux | June 21 | Heritage Plaza FREE Activation
Guests can gather for interactive storytelling and treaty teachings that explore Indigenous histories, perspectives and the importance of sharing stories across generations.

Smalleyes Family Powwow Demonstrations | June 20 & 21
Experience the sights and sounds of powwow through live music, dance and cultural sharing led by the Smalleyes Family.

Métis Cultural Teachings | June 21
Explore Métis traditions, sash weaving, trapping history and Michif culture through hands-on learning experiences and demonstrations.

Admission to National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day programming is complimentary for guests who self-identify as Indigenous on June 20 and 21. Historical Village programming is included with General Admission and Heritage Park Memberships, while Heritage Plaza activations and the University of Calgary’s Campfire Chats are free for all guests. Admission to Bring Your Kokum Scarf: Sober After Party is complimentary for guests who self-identify as Indigenous, included with a Heritage Park Membership, or $14.95 for general admission.

For a full schedule of programming and event details, visit heritagepark.ca.

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Media Inquiries
Eirin Bernie, Communications & Marketing Manager
Heritage Park Historical Village
ebernie@heritagepark.ca | 403.519.3409

About Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park Historical Village is one of Canada’s largest living history museums, offering guests immersive, hands-on experiences of Western Canada’s diverse past. Located in Calgary on Treaty 7 territory, Heritage Park has been a cultural and tourism cornerstone since 1964. As a registered charity, Heritage Park preserves and shares history through interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, historic buildings, antique rides and more. Welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Heritage Park plays a vital role in Alberta’s tourism economy, prairie heritage preservation and community engagement—making it Canada’s premier family destination where history truly comes alive. heritagepark.ca.

Heritage Park Land Acknowledgement
Heritage Park is located on the Treaty 7 territory where we respect the deep, historical connection to this land by the Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina, Îyârhe Nakoda, and Métis peoples. Heritage Park is a place where visitors come to learn about the history of all those who have gathered here, and where Indigenous people proudly share cultural traditions and tell stories about their rich heritage, history and attachment to the land.