National Indigenous Peoples Day
The City of Medicine Hat honours National Indigenous Peoples Day.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is recognized annually on June 21 within National Indigenous History Month. This aligns with the significance of the summer solstice for Indigenous peoples, who have celebrated their cultures on the longest day of the year for centuries.
The City of Medicine Hat honours National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to honour the rich history and traditions, diverse cultures and important contributions of Indigenous peoples in our community.
National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration
Friday, June 20, 2025 - 1 to 3 p.m.City Hall plaza
We are pleased to invite the public to attend a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event at City Hall on Friday, June 20, 2025.
The event is set for 1 to 3 p.m. at the eastside City Hall plaza by the clock tower. The event will move into the Helen Beny Gibson Lounge if the weather does not allow for an outdoor celebration. A tepee will also be set up outside of City Hall on the grass near Finlay Bridge. The event, and all City efforts within National Indigenous History Month, will honour the rich history, traditions and cultures, and important contributions of Indigenous peoples in the community.
“During National Indigenous History Month and on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour the enduring presence and profound knowledge of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut'ina, Cree, Sioux, Saulteaux, and the Métis Nation of Region III. Their stories, traditions, and teachings continue to shape the spirit of this land. Today, and every day, we celebrate the rich cultural mosaic they bring to our shared community and commit to listening, learning, and walking forward together in respect and unity."
- Aaron Nelson, Manager of Cultural Experiences and Events, City of Medicine Hat
National Indigenous Peoples Day event details are as follows:
- Welcome, land acknowledgement and opening remarks from Managing Director Joe Hutter
- Opening Prayer and Smudge, led by Elder Charlie Fox
- Honour Song, performed by community drummers
- Remarks from Councillor Shila Sharps (Acting Mayor), Carlee EaglePlume, and Brenda Mercer
- Dance presentation from Dobry, Shannon, and Dustin Kunka
- Flag raising ceremony outside City Hall (east doors)
- Closing remarks from Managing Director Joe Hutter
- Reception, and Craft & Learn Circle in the tepee
Event refreshments will include bannock, tea, coffee and water. Informal drumming and dancing may continue in the tepee area.
Indigenous Arts & Culture
Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m.
A community Telling of Pawâkan Macbeth is coming to the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre!
The event is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s darkest play into Cree history, legend and cosmology.
Pawâkan Macbeth’s story was inspired by Frog Lake elders, with original development of concept by Owen Morris and students of Chief Napeweaw School.
June 21 at 12:45 p.m. (NIPD)
Join Brenda Mercer at the Saamis Tepee on Saturday, June 21 to begin an incredible tour on the Sunshine Trolley in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day!
The tour includes stops at the Collections of the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, the Saamis Tepee and Saamis Archaeological Site, and the chance to harvest prairie medicines to take home in a medicine pouch crafted by Brenda.
Thursday, June 26 at 6 p.m.
Join us for an intimate Beading Circle with Brenda Mercer at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre later this month!
This free, hands-on evening is an opportunity to learn the art of beading in a welcoming, supportive environment. All supplies are provided!
This is a free event, but seats are limited, so be sure to get your ticket before they are gone!
Tickets are available Friday, June 6 at 12 p.m.
City projects and initiatives
The City of Medicine Hat, the Miywasin Friendship Centre, and the University of Alberta are actively working together to rebury the remains and associated burial artifacts of three ancestors held in public trust at the University of Alberta. These three institutions have come together to form the Medicine Hat Ancestors Reburial Project and all partners are committed to the reburial of these ancestors in a respectful manner in their original resting place of Medicine Hat.
The City of Medicine Hat acknowledges that we live and work on treaty territory. The City pays respect to all Indigenous Peoples and honours their past, present and future. We recognize and respect their cultural heritages and relationships to the land. The City of Medicine Hat celebrates the strengths and resilience of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit cultures and acknowledges the vibrant tapestry of Indigenous history that enriches our community.