May 26, 2022
Come celebrate Indigenous culture and diversity with UCalgary in June
National Indigenous History Month in June is not only a celebration of the unique heritage, diverse cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the injustices done to these communities.
While it’s proud to celebrate these cultures, the University of Calgary has committed to transforming itself and making decisions with respect to indigenizing our campuses through its Indigenous Strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p. Launched in 2017, the strategy resets the university’s relationship with Indigenous communities.
“In order to walk a parallel path together in a good way, we need to continue our learning about the historical relationships between Indigenous Peoples and members of institutions such as the University of Calgary and to enact new understandings by participating in activities that contribute to advancing Indigenous engagement,” says Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost of Indigenous Engagement.
National Indigenous History Month provides numerous opportunities for our continued learning and enacting our commitment to Indigenous engagement.
To mark this important month, UCalgary and a few of our partners are hosting programs starting in late May and throughout June. Register to attend or sign up to volunteer.
Celebrate with UCalgary
Drumming workshop with Rod Hunter
May 27, 2022
Join Writing Symbols Lodge to learn about UCalgary’s Honour Song from Elder Rod Hunter, who gifted the song to the university. The Honour Song is a tribute to UCalgary graduates, their families and their communities and has been performed at convocation since 2018.
Lifelong learning @ lunch - Indigenous Reconciliation: Challenges and Opportunities
June 3, 2022
This event takes a brief look back at reconciliation history, the challenges of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and opportunities for reconciliation as we move forward.
Sacred Bundles Unborn book launch and art exhibit
June 4, 2022
Join us for the official book launch and art exhibit for Sacred Bundles Unborn by Morningstar Mercredi and Fire Keepers at the Taylor Institute art gallery and foyer. Sacred Bundles Unborn invites attendees to share in the spirit of justice, healing and transformative reconciliation.
Understanding Indigenous cultural gatherings and social dances
June 8, 2022
Have you ever wondered what powwows and round dances are, and why Indigenous people do these? Join Traditional Knowledge Keeper Hal Eagletail, a well-known master of ceremonies of social dances, as he shares his knowledge about powwows and round dances, and the importance for Indigenous people to gather for these cultural practices. He will also explain the cultural evolution of our social dances and how they have changed over time.
June 14, 2022
The Office of Indigenous Engagement invites you to attend a virtual gathering as we come together to learn the origins and meaning of round dance with perspectives from Hal Eagletail, Rod Hunter and Reg Crowshoe.
Campfire Chats: Buffalo Treaty
June 21, 2022
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the University of Calgary will present its seventh annual Campfire Chats. Join us online as we listen to and learn from a panel of Indigenous leaders and allies discussing the Buffalo Treaty.
Rothney Astrophysical Observatory: Indigenous Skies
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is located under the skies of the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region. Explore First Nations sky stories and constellations at the observatory south of Calgary and learn how Indigenous people looked at the sky for guidance.
Volunteer for Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary
In the 1990s, the Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary Circle began organizing events and celebrations the week leading up to National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.
Sign up to volunteer, or register to attend events in Calgary from June 19 to 25.
Join United Way Calgary
In 2015, United Way Calgary launched its own Indigenous strategy, Akak’stiman: Journey of Creative Planning to Achieve Goals. Developed with the guidance of local Elders, including Reg Crowshoe, Hon.LLD’01, United Way Calgary intends to reflect and honour the TRC’s final report.
Register now for these United Way events:
Virtual book club: The Lesser Blessed by Richard Van Camp
May 26, 2022
Join author Richard Van Camp for this virtual book club of exploring the novel The Lesser Blessed. Participants are asked to read the novel ahead of the event and come ready to discuss the themes, learnings and emotional responses they had to the book.
Virtual watch party: The Lesser Blessed
June 3, 2022
Join this virtual watch party of the 2012 film The Lesser Blessed, adapting Van Camp’s novel. Note: This film is rated R, and the trailer is available to view on the registration page.
Lunch & learn with an Indigenous Elder: Indigenous Awareness Month
June 28, 2022
Join this lunch and learn to discuss Indigenous Awareness Month. The month of June recognizes not only the history of Indigenous peoples, but also the strength of present-day Indigenous communities.
ii’ taa’poh’to’p, the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, is a commitment to deep evolutionary transformation by reimagining ways of knowing, doing, connecting and being. Walking parallel paths together, ‘in a good way,’ UCalgary is moving toward genuine reconciliation and Indigenization.
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