National Indigenous Peoples Day

Tansi

National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada.

We’re excited to invite families to learn more about Indigenous traditions, music, and dance at the National Indigenous Peoples Day Kid’s Zone, on June 21 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. We’ll be hosting all kinds of activities, including:  

• First Nation’s Cultural Teachings - Learn about the role and importance of the drum to First Nation peoples through stories, songs, and dance. 
• Cree Syllabics - Learn basic Cree words and create your own bookmark with Cree syllabics. 
• Beaded Keychains - Beading is a cultural art form that holds great significance for Indigenous people. Learn Indigenous beading techniques by making your own pony bead keychain. 
• Métis Jigging - Come have fun learning how to jig! Learn the basic jig step, resting step, fancy steps, and dance together as a group. Métis jigging is known to incorporate elements of First Nations powwow dancing and European styles, such as tap and Highland dance. It’s a high energy dance.
• Red River Cart - Learn about the history, construction, and use of the Red River Cart from Metis Knowledge Keeper, George Fayant. 
• Inuit Games - In the harsh northern environment of the Arctic, traditional Inuit games focus on the attributes most necessary for survival there – agility, strength, and above all, endurance. Test your ability in these 7 Inuit games! 
• NIPD Button Maker Station - Celebrate NIPD by creating your own button. Children can create & colour an Indigenous design then make their own 1.5” button with a button maker. 
• NIPD Colouring Station - Enjoy colouring NIPD colouring pages featuring Indigenous images from across Turtle Island featuring artwork created by Indigenous artists. 
• Pat Roth Face Painting - Select one of the fun face painting designs by Pat Roth Entertainment to add a splash of colour to your face for National Indigenous Peoples Day!

If you’re unable to attend, you can also explore the library’s Indigenous video content, reading lists and online resources found on our reconciliation page.

Wendy Sinclair, Indigenous Services Advisor