IMPORTANT & KEY INDIGENOUS DATES IN ALBERTA & CANADA
While many of the Indigenous people I know mention that everyday is Indigenous day, and ways of knowing should be acknowledged and practiced daily. There are still important key dates that should be recognized and reminded for the history, culture, language and ways of knowing of Canada to all. They are:
June
National Indigenous History Month
In June, we celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honor the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512
The City of Edmonton Indigenous Relations Office (IRO) supports National Indigenous History Month in Edmonton by promoting the Indigenous events and activities happening in and around Edmonton throughout the month of June.
https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/schedule_festivals_events/indigenous-history-month.aspx
June 21
National indigenous Peoples Day
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/indigenous-peoples-day.html
There are multiple events hosted by various First Nation communities, organizations, municipalities and more. It is best to research.
July 9
Nunavut Day
Nunavut Day pays tribute to creation of the new territory in Canada. Although it officially became a territory on April 1,1999, the date of July 9th was chosen instead to recognize the milestone of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act (1993)
https://www.gov.nu.ca/human-resources/information/public-service-holidays
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Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/n-28.7/page-1.html
September
Alberta Culture Days
September, the last weekend
Alberta Culture Days is an opportunity to discover, experience and celebrate arts and culture through local events and activities across the province.
Alberta Government website on Culture Days
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-culture-days.aspx
Events being offered in Alberta
https://culturedays.ca/en/events?query=&province=ab
September 30
Culture Days Orange Shirt Day, Every Child Matters
While many schools and organizations ask students to wear an orange shirt or order them. A great student led initiative is asking students to create a design and have t-shirts made and ordered.
Resources
http://www.orangeshirtday.org/teacher-resources.html
November
Métis Week
Métis Week is an opportunity for the Métis People in Alberta to share their stories, history and culture with people across Alberta. This annual celebration takes place during the week leading up to November 16.
https://www.alberta.ca/annual-metis-week-celebrations.aspx
http://albertametis.com/about/news/events/
International Inuit Day
November 7
https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-northern-affairs/news/2015/11/statement-on-inuit-day.html
https://www.inuitcircumpolar.com/press-releases/november-7th-inuit-day/
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