2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month

On a postpartum visit, Midwife Nicole Matheson checks on Karlee Fellner and her children.
Fellner gave birth to her daughter in a tipi alongside Matheson - honouring the importance of respecting and integrating cultural beliefs, values and practices into midwifery care. Photo by Leah Hennel

Join us through the month of June as we honour Indigenous peoples living in Alberta by taking part in virtual and in person events that celebrate Indigenous peoples and communities under the theme Embracing Cultural Safety. This year's events are being celebrated in collaboration with Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Recovery Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Health Shared Services.

Cultural safety is defined by the experience of the patient. Going beyond cultural awareness or sensitivity, it is evident when we honour unique Indigenous histories, identities and world views. When we practice cultural safety, patients experience an environment free of racism and discrimination, where they feel safe receiving health care. 

Throughout the month, our sessions will focus on what cultural safety can look and feel like for patients. We will explore the concept of embracing cultural safety in our interactions with patients, in the care environments that we create, in our relationships with community partners and in our systems.


*Please note: This page is moderated, and any inappropriate or disrespectful content will be edited and/or removed.

On a postpartum visit, Midwife Nicole Matheson checks on Karlee Fellner and her children.
Fellner gave birth to her daughter in a tipi alongside Matheson - honouring the importance of respecting and integrating cultural beliefs, values and practices into midwifery care. Photo by Leah Hennel

Join us through the month of June as we honour Indigenous peoples living in Alberta by taking part in virtual and in person events that celebrate Indigenous peoples and communities under the theme Embracing Cultural Safety. This year's events are being celebrated in collaboration with Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Recovery Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Health Shared Services.

Cultural safety is defined by the experience of the patient. Going beyond cultural awareness or sensitivity, it is evident when we honour unique Indigenous histories, identities and world views. When we practice cultural safety, patients experience an environment free of racism and discrimination, where they feel safe receiving health care. 

Throughout the month, our sessions will focus on what cultural safety can look and feel like for patients. We will explore the concept of embracing cultural safety in our interactions with patients, in the care environments that we create, in our relationships with community partners and in our systems.


*Please note: This page is moderated, and any inappropriate or disrespectful content will be edited and/or removed.

  • Come explore healthcare careers!

    Indigenous students entering Grades 9–12 are invited to attend the Indigenous Healthcare Career Exploration Camps in Calgary and Edmonton this summer.

    Get a behind-the-scenes look at exciting healthcare careers, participate in interactive activities, connect with professionals, and learn about pathways into medicine, nursing, allied health, administration, and more.

    Indigenous students entering Grades 9–12 are invited to attend the Indigenous Healthcare Career Exploration Camps in Calgary and Edmonton this summer.

    Get a behind-the-scenes look at exciting healthcare careers, participate in interactive activities, connect with professionals, and learn about pathways into medicine, nursing, allied health, administration, and more.

  • 2026 Virtual Events

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    Here's what is happening virtually for National Indigenous Peoples Month.

    See the 2026 Virtual Events Calendar for session details.

    *We will post the presentations that we have permission to share for those who may not be able to attend in real time. Keep watching this page for updates.

    Week two – June 8 to June 12
    Wednesday June 10
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Relationships First: Prioritizing Indigenous Engagement for the Maternal & Newborn Health Project

    Thursday June 11
    12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Creating Indigenous-Safe(r) Healthcare Spaces: Honouring Culture, Voice, and Relationships in the Journey Toward Healing

    Here's what is happening virtually for National Indigenous Peoples Month.

    See the 2026 Virtual Events Calendar for session details.

    *We will post the presentations that we have permission to share for those who may not be able to attend in real time. Keep watching this page for updates.

    Week two – June 8 to June 12
    Wednesday June 10
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Relationships First: Prioritizing Indigenous Engagement for the Maternal & Newborn Health Project

    Thursday June 11
    12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Creating Indigenous-Safe(r) Healthcare Spaces: Honouring Culture, Voice, and Relationships in the Journey Toward Healing
    Register here

    Friday June 12
    12:00 p.m. - Weekly Closing Prayer
    Register here

    Week three – June 15 to June 29

    Monday, June 15
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Elder Teachings
    Register here

    Wednesday June 17
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Learning together: Cultural Safety Moments and Cree Traditional Medicines
    Register here

    Friday June 19
    12:00 p.m. - Weekly Closing Prayer
    Register here

    Week four – June 22 to June 23

    Monday June 22
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Elder Teachings
    Register here

    Tuesday June 23
    12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Closing Ceremonies
    In person ceremony will be held at the Alberta Edmonton Hospital in Edmonton, and virtual participants can join via Zoom
    Register here


    Previous presentations:
    Week one – June 2 to June 5
    Tuesday June 2
    10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.- Opening Ceremonies
    CHANGE OF VENUE: In person ceremony will be held at the KAINAI MULTI PURPOSE BUILDING.(Map)

    Week two – June 8 to June 12
    Monday June 8
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Elder Teachings

    Tuesday June 9
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Aligning Actions to Address Indigenous-specific Racism and Strengthen Cultural Safety in Healthcare



  • Strengthening cultural safety through meaningful partnerships

    Meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities help strengthen cultural safety in healthcare.

    Kash Shade, Saakooyinaa Chief Executive Officer of the Blood Tribe Department of Health, reflects on collaboration, co-design and the importance of Indigenous voices being heard and acted on in healthcare planning and service delivery.

    The video was filmed during National Indigenous Peoples Month Opening Ceremonies on Kainai Nation, hosted by the Blood Tribe Department of Health. This year’s theme, Embracing Cultural Safety, invites reflection on how healthcare teams and partners can help create care environments, relationships and systems where Indigenous patients and families feel safe, respected, heard and free

    Meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities help strengthen cultural safety in healthcare.

    Kash Shade, Saakooyinaa Chief Executive Officer of the Blood Tribe Department of Health, reflects on collaboration, co-design and the importance of Indigenous voices being heard and acted on in healthcare planning and service delivery.

    The video was filmed during National Indigenous Peoples Month Opening Ceremonies on Kainai Nation, hosted by the Blood Tribe Department of Health. This year’s theme, Embracing Cultural Safety, invites reflection on how healthcare teams and partners can help create care environments, relationships and systems where Indigenous patients and families feel safe, respected, heard and free from racism and discrimination.

  • The Power of the Medicine Wheel greets visitors

    Attendees stand beneath The Power of the Medicine Wheel mural during its unveiling at the Peter Lougheed Centre. Artist Keevin Rider stands third from the left. Photo by Leah Hennel.

    New Indigenous art mural unveiled at Peter Lougheed Centre
    Story by Melanie Veriotes | Photo by Leah Hennel

    CALGARY — A new Indigenous art feature wall now welcomes patients, families, staff and visitors as they enter the Peter Lougheed Centre (PLC) through the west entrance.

    The mural was unveiled recently during a traditional ceremony with prayers, dancing and drumming and attendees including Indigenous leaders, Elders, the mural’s artist, Alberta

    Attendees stand beneath The Power of the Medicine Wheel mural during its unveiling at the Peter Lougheed Centre. Artist Keevin Rider stands third from the left. Photo by Leah Hennel.

    New Indigenous art mural unveiled at Peter Lougheed Centre
    Story by Melanie Veriotes | Photo by Leah Hennel

    CALGARY — A new Indigenous art feature wall now welcomes patients, families, staff and visitors as they enter the Peter Lougheed Centre (PLC) through the west entrance.

    The mural was unveiled recently during a traditional ceremony with prayers, dancing and drumming and attendees including Indigenous leaders, Elders, the mural’s artist, Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff, physicians and site leadership.

    The event marked the PLC’s ongoing work toward Truth and Reconciliation and reinforced its commitment to the creation of a welcoming environment grounded in respect, connection and culturally appropriate care.

    Created by artist Keevin Rider of the Bearspaw First Nation, the mural — entitled The Power of the Medicine Wheel — is intentionally placed so all who enter from the west pass through the Medicine Wheel which symbolizes balance, reflection and care that honours the whole person.

    The Medicine Wheel is a sacred teaching used by many Indigenous cultures. While teachings vary among Nations, it’s often understood to represent the connection between spiritual, emotional, physical and mental health. Together, this connection reminds us that wellness means caring for the whole person and the relationships that support them, not just treating the illness.

    For Rider, contributing to the PLC space felt deeply personal. Having recently spent time in hospital himself, he reflected on the importance of compassion in healthcare.

    “I’m honoured to be a part of this,” Rider said. “When you’ve been in hospital, you really understand the power of kindness, understanding and being connected to loved ones. The power is in the Medicine Wheel and what each section represents. When you live by these teachings, you feel peace within yourself.”

    PLC Senior Operating Officer Nicholas Thain also spoke to the personal significance of the unveiling.

    “Today was a powerful connection point for me. I made a commitment to the late Leo Pretty Young Man, Horn Society Leader (highest society in Blackfoot culture), to work to improve access, care and connection for Indigenous peoples. I believe this artwork, as you walk through the Medicine Wheel, does that for all.”

    The unveiling also reflects a broader history of partnership and work that continues to evolve. Dr. Tyler White, former CEO of Siksika Health Services, reflected on how the installation connects to efforts that began several years ago.

    He recalled being part of the 2021 ceremony in Strathmore, when the Siksika Nation flag became the first Indigenous flag to fly permanently at an Alberta Health Services hospital site, marking an important step in a longer journey of change.

    Dr. White noted that, since then, progress has been made by building pathways, strengthening relationships, and working alongside many Nations and AHS team members.

    Guided by Elders throughout this work, he said he was proud to be part of the unveiling and looks forward to continued cooperation to further improve access, care and connection for Indigenous peoples.

  • Elder teaching with Elder Dr. Elmer Ghostkeeper

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    Start the week in a good way with traditional teachings and prayers from Elders on Mondays.

    We are honoured to have Elder Dr. Elmer Ghostkeeper, a respected Métis Elder, scholar, author, entrepreneur, and community leader leading our first teaching this month. His life’s work has been dedicated to bridging Indigenous knowledge systems and Western academic traditions.

    Elder teaching with Elder Dr. Elmer Ghostkeeper
    Monday June 8
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    Start the week in a good way with traditional teachings and prayers from Elders on Mondays.

    We are honoured to have Elder Dr. Elmer Ghostkeeper, a respected Métis Elder, scholar, author, entrepreneur, and community leader leading our first teaching this month. His life’s work has been dedicated to bridging Indigenous knowledge systems and Western academic traditions.

    Elder teaching with Elder Dr. Elmer Ghostkeeper
    Monday June 8
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

  • CHANGE OF VENUE Opening Ceremonies - 10:00 a.m. on Tues, June 2

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    ***CHANGE OF VENUE: KAINAI MULTI PURPOSE BUILDING ***
    (Kainai Multi Purpose Building - Google Maps)

    Due to weather conditions, the Opening Ceremonies will now be taking place at the Kainai Multi Purpose Building in Standoff, AB.

    Join us on Tuesday, June 2 to kick off a month of celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Month.

    This year, we are especially excited for the opportunity to host the Opening Ceremonies in on the Kainai Nation in partnership between Blood Tribe Department of Health and Alberta Health Services Southwest Corridor. The ceremonies will be held at the Kainai Multi Purpose Building at Standoff, Alberta. We are grateful for their hospitality and partnership.

    National Indigenous Peoples Month Opening Ceremonies

    When: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
    When: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    Where: Standoff, Kainai Nation(Google Map)
    In person at the Kainai Multi Purpose Building or online via Zoom

    ***CHANGE OF VENUE: KAINAI MULTI PURPOSE BUILDING ***
    (Kainai Multi Purpose Building - Google Maps)

    Due to weather conditions, the Opening Ceremonies will now be taking place at the Kainai Multi Purpose Building in Standoff, AB.

    Join us on Tuesday, June 2 to kick off a month of celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Month.

    This year, we are especially excited for the opportunity to host the Opening Ceremonies in on the Kainai Nation in partnership between Blood Tribe Department of Health and Alberta Health Services Southwest Corridor. The ceremonies will be held at the Kainai Multi Purpose Building at Standoff, Alberta. We are grateful for their hospitality and partnership.

    National Indigenous Peoples Month Opening Ceremonies

    When: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
    When: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    Where: Standoff, Kainai Nation(Google Map)
    In person at the Kainai Multi Purpose Building or online via Zoom

  • The story behind the image

    Story by Janine Poersch
    Karlee Fellner’s daughter, Pêtâstêkawisk, was born in a birthing pool, surrounded by smudging, drumming and songs. It was a deliberate return to land-based traditions, supported by registered midwife Nicole Matheson.

    “I knew that would be such a different beginning for the baby—to come out and hear the sounds of the land right away,” says Fellner, a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta. “The birds singing. The smells of the land. The smoke of the fire… what a better way to transition from your mom’s womb into this world.”

    For Fellner, giving birth in a mîkiwahp

    Story by Janine Poersch
    Karlee Fellner’s daughter, Pêtâstêkawisk, was born in a birthing pool, surrounded by smudging, drumming and songs. It was a deliberate return to land-based traditions, supported by registered midwife Nicole Matheson.

    “I knew that would be such a different beginning for the baby—to come out and hear the sounds of the land right away,” says Fellner, a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta. “The birds singing. The smells of the land. The smoke of the fire… what a better way to transition from your mom’s womb into this world.”

    For Fellner, giving birth in a mîkiwahp (tipi) on the land was an important part of her birthing plan. Matheson explains that everyone has their own feelings about what makes a safe birthing environment.

    “We make sure clients have the information they need to make informed choices about their birthplace, whether that’s at home, in a birth centre or in a hospital,” says Matheson, “and we support them in those choices.”

    She and another midwife provide care across Rocky Mountain House and surrounding areas, including O’Chiese and Big Horn First Nations communities.

    Matheson is one of Primary Care Alberta’s network of 180 midwives working autonomously across the province. This network includes an increasing number of Indigenous registered midwives. Many of whom develop close partnerships with Indigenous communities to provide culturally safe, people-centred care.

    Fellner’s birthing journey lasted more than two weeks, but she says it unfolded just as she had hoped. As a psychologist specializing in intergenerational and complex trauma, she believes that healthy communities begin at birth.

    “I want my children to have the best start they possibly can, and being born on the land is a part of that,” she explains. “Having the smudge, the drums and song helped so much with the pain and hard parts, along with Nicole’s reminders that the pain was temporary.”

    June is National Indigenous Peoples Month. This year’s theme - Embracing Cultural Safety - invites us to listen, learn and reflect on how healthcare providers can help Indigenous patients and families feel safe, respected and heard.

  • 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month Design

    This year’s design, created by Métis artist Jacqueline Barr, was inspired by the 2026 theme: Embracing Cultural Safety. Jacqueline kindly shared with us the thoughts that went into her beautiful artwork this year:

    The Vision
    Right from the start, I envisioned a calm scene representing the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of Alberta. When we feel comforted our bodies are at peace—and it is vital for people of all cultures and walks of life to feel safe and supported during their healthcare journey.

    Symbolic Elements
    To evoke this sense of calmness, I turned to the deep blues

    This year’s design, created by Métis artist Jacqueline Barr, was inspired by the 2026 theme: Embracing Cultural Safety. Jacqueline kindly shared with us the thoughts that went into her beautiful artwork this year:

    The Vision
    Right from the start, I envisioned a calm scene representing the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of Alberta. When we feel comforted our bodies are at peace—and it is vital for people of all cultures and walks of life to feel safe and supported during their healthcare journey.

    Symbolic Elements
    To evoke this sense of calmness, I turned to the deep blues of a night sky, illuminated by stars and the aurora borealis. With guidance from Elder Colleen Jobin, Senior Advisor for North Indigenous Health and fellow committee member, we incorporated the aurora to honor our spiritual connection to our ancestors. Tobacco has been offered to acknowledge this spiritual connection.

    As Colleen shares:
    “Here is a good explanation of the aurora teachings for First Nations and one that I was taught as well.”

    Three other symbolic elements added to the design include:

    • the tipi/teepee (Watoopas or kiyawin (Cree), Niitoyis (Blackfoot), Tibi / Thípi (Stoney Nakoda), Kuwa (Tsuut’ina), and Lii Taant di Ohpayikewuk (Métis)) to represent First Nations
    • the Red River cart (An charet or aen waagoon (Michif)) to represent Métis
    • the inuksuk (Inuksuk (Inuktitut), Inukhuk (Inuinnaqtun), Iñuksuk (Iñupiaq), Inussuk (Greenlandic)) to represent Inuit

    Connection and Safety
    We also integrated the concept of family into the design, a suggestion from committee member Carolyn Paradis. This addition reinforces the visual sense of connection, belonging, and safety that lies at the heart of this year's theme.