Celebrate National Indigenous History Month 2023

Calgary Public Library is proud to offer a busy month of free programs and events throughout the month of June to recognize National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21).

“Calgary Public Library commits to listening to, learning from, and building relationships with local Indigenous communities. Library staff have worked hard to ensure Indigenous community members can see themselves and their culture in Library programming. This important month will feature opportunities for all community members to learn about the histories and cultures of Treaty 7, and to celebrate Indigenous artists, educators, and athletes. Please join us in June at the Library and further your own journey of Truth and Reconciliation,” says Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah Meilleur.

Sherry Mckay, an Ojibway Anishinaabe influencer and comedian from Treaty 1 Territory, kicks off the month with a comedy show on June 1. A formal opening ceremony at Central Library will take place on June 2 at noon, with performances and activities to start a month of celebration.

For National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the Library will host a special day of programming in partnership with Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Black Diamond Group, and SECURE Energy. Alwyn Morris, who is an Olympic medalist, Order of Sport recipient, and included in the Canada Sports Hall of Fame, will deliver a virtual keynote at 10:30 am, and there will be a panel discussion at Central Library about Truth and Reconciliation in Sport at noon.

The Library will be offering programs for families, teens, and students throughout the month, including a feature on Indigenous authors and stories during Drop-In Family Storytimes at all locations and learning opportunities for Calgary and area students through the Caretakers of the Land virtual program.

Program highlights for the month include:

• KAIROS Blanket Exercise (June 10)
• Elders Storytelling with Elder Adrian (June 13)
• Métis History and Jigging with Doreen Bergum (June 15)
• Film screening, live drumming, and conversation with Stardale Women’s Group (June 24)

Specialty workshops for the month also include a virtual frybread cooking program, inuksuk carving, and dreamcatcher making, which create important connections for Indigenous and non-Indigenous attendees. To learn more and to register, visit calgarylibrary.ca/programs.

Indigenous programming is a year-round priority as part of the Library’s commitment to fostering Truth and Reconciliation with local Indigenous communities. Other ongoing Indigenous initiatives and resources at the Library include: eResources where members can learn about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada; booklists highlighting Indigenous authors; Placemaking and the Indigenous Artist in Residence; Caretakers of the Land virtual program for schools; the Elders’ Guidance Circle program; educational YouTube videos that share Indigenous languages and Land Acknowledgements, and more. These cross-cultural learning opportunities and other Indigenous programming at the Library are generously supported by Suncor Energy Foundation and CNOOC International.

Find more detailed event listings at calgarylibrary.ca/IndigenousMonth. All registered programs can be accessed with a Calgary Public Library card, which is free to all residents of Calgary and surrounding area Indigenous communities. Sign up today at calgarylibrary.ca.