Indigenous Dancer, ATC 2024
FORT McMURRAY — Residents across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo are being invited to take part in a series of events and learning opportunities throughout June as the community marks National Indigenous History Month.
The month-long program includes cultural celebrations, educational workshops, exhibits and community gatherings designed to recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples locally and across Canada.
One of the featured events will take place June 16 when educator and speaker Margo Auger presents workshops on the meaning and history of treaties at Landmark Cinemas in Eagle Ridge.
The event, titled True Spirit and True Intent of Treaty, is part of the municipality’s It’s Time to Read initiative. Organizers say the workshops will explore the understandings and commitments that guided treaty-making between First Nations and the Crown and how those agreements continue to shape relationships today.
Auger is a member of Bigstone Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory and is the founder and chief executive officer of Apiskwai Kihiw Consulting Ltd.
The workshops are scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with a question-and-answer session beginning at 9 p.m. Organizers say registration is not required.
National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations are also planned for June 21 at SMS Equipment Place.
The municipality will host a pancake breakfast and serve Ginger’s Bannock, a longtime community favourite, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event is expected to include family activities and entertainment as residents gather to celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions.
The municipality is also highlighting Indigenous accomplishments in sport through the 2026 Indigenous Sports Gallery.
The gallery will open to the public June 12 at the Nikinan Community Centre at Indian Beach near Gregoire Lake following an awards ceremony held on the traditional territory of Fort McMurray 468 First Nation.
According to organizers, the exhibit recognizes the achievements and contributions of local First Nations and Métis athletes, community leaders and community builders.
Educational opportunities will continue throughout the month as visitors are invited to view the Numbered Treaties of Canada exhibit at Jubilee Gallery on Franklin Avenue.
The display, produced by Indigenous Reflections Inc., examines the numbered treaties signed across Canada and explores their historical significance and continuing impact on Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Residents can also access the municipality’s Indigenous Learning Series, which offers free educational resources and programming focused on Indigenous cultures, histories and perspectives in the Wood Buffalo region.
National Indigenous History Month is observed each June across Canada and is intended to recognize the histories, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. In Wood Buffalo, organizers say this year’s events provide opportunities for residents to learn, reflect and celebrate Indigenous cultures through community-based activities and educational programming.
Comments