City set to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day

The City of Medicine Hat welcomes the public to attend its annual National Indigenous Peoples Day event at City Hall on Friday, June 19. National Indigenous Peoples Day is officially held annually on June 21 in conjunction with the summer solstice. The City’s event celebrates the rich history, traditions, cultures, and important contributions of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit residents who make Medicine Hat their home.

“As we mark National Indigenous History Month and recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour the historical traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy including Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut'ina nations, along with the Treaty 4 territory of the Cree, Sioux, and Saulteaux people. We also acknowledge the Métis Nation District 2 Battle River Territory who have longstanding connections to this land,” said Aaron Nelson, Acting Director of Community Development with the City of Medicine Hat. “The wisdom, cultures, and lived experience of these Nations continue to strengthen our community and our relationships with one another. Today and throughout the year, we recognize the importance of coming together in a spirit of respect and reciprocity – listening with openness, learning with humility, and working together towards meaningful reconciliation.”

The National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration opens with a formal program beginning at 1 p.m. at the 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.

Details of the formal program are as follows:

1. Emcee introduction – Kellie Grace, Indigenous Relations Coordinator, City of Medicine Hat
2. Opening prayer and smudge – Blackfoot Elder Charlie Fox
3. Honour song – Mekethia Fairbanks and Andrew Spotted Bul
4. Land acknowledgement – Mayor Linnsie Clark
5. Guest speakers and performances
   • Brenda Mercer
   • Josie Saddleback (includes Jingle Dancing)
   • Aleigha Aaker (includes Métis Jigging)
6. Flag recognition – Blackfoot Confederacy, Métis Nation and Cree flags
7. Closing remarks – Métis Elder Sandi Hendry

Once the formal program has concluded, the public is encouraged to continue the celebration with an informal gathering, which includes:

• Bite-size baked Bannock, strawberry drink and cedar tea
• A tepee set up outside of City Hall on the grass near Finlay Bridge
• Informal drumming and dancing and crafting, which may continue in the tepee area

As part of National Indigenous History Month, the City of Medicine Hat is pleased to highlight Indigenous art, culture and heritage features throughout June in its weekly Neat to Know newsletter.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca