2021 National Indigenous Peoples Celebrations
Thank you for joining us to celebrate the 2021 National Indigenous Peoples Day. Visit Alberta Health Services' Indigenous Health Program to learn more.
On June 21, Canada will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. 
First celebrated in 1996, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples from across Canada.
This year, AHS Celebrated Resilience through Reconciliation by hosting online events throughout the month of June (see all the events here). Thank you to all who took part in the online events.
We encourage you to continue the celebration by sharing your images and stories of strength and resilience. You can also check out the presentations that were given here.
"My mask is called "In Spirit". I have chosen the base color as navy blue with an infinity symbol and beaded Métis flower designs representing Métis peoples. The tulips represent love for all my relations. Focusing on the beauty of nature and in life creates a positive mindset needed to endure our struggles. The mask is surrounded by colors of the medicine wheel in recognition of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
"This mask is a reminder to return to your spirit, to your culture, your ceremonies, your traditions, your language and your relations to overcome daily challenges. In this way, we may find peace, hope and purpose."
Lisa L'Hirondelle, Métis Cree
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Who's Listening
Presentations - 2021 National Indigenous Peoples Celebrations
Photos of AHS Events
Cultural Activities
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"Travelling Song: One Rattle, One People" is a project created by Sherryl Sewepagaham, music therapist with Alberta Health Services' Indigenous Health Program, from an idea of sharing a community rattle to celebrate in song for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2020.
"Travelling Song" is a well-known and well-loved community song created by The Aboriginal Women's Voices Group, a collective of Indigenous women singers from Canada and the United States who participated in the 3-week residency program at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 1997.
"Travelling Song" was produced by Russell Wallace from the Lil'wat Nation in BC during the program and Travelling Song can be heard on The Hearts of the Nation CD. The participants in "Travelling Song: One Rattle, One People" are Alberta Health Services staff and community members.
There are many rattle teachings and this rattle represents the coming together of many hearts and voices.
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Nadine teaches how to make a beaded lanyard.
AHS Digital Patient Stories
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Tessy began her journey as a “medical mom” at the age of 19.
As her daughter fought through the first years of her life, Tessy began to learn the significance of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. When she began attending Traditional Ceremonies, everyone around her started seeing a change.
She developed strength and confidence she needed to have a quality of life she always desired for her family.
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This story was gifted to us by Jeraldine, a woman who has discovered strength and healing by celebrating her Indigenous culture.
Having persevered through dark days, she has entered a new season in her life.
