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.

  • The Indigenous Support Line is here for you


    Primary Care Alberta's Indigenous Support Lineᐟᐦᐁ ᐃᐣdᐃgᐁᓄuᐢᐢuᑊᐳᕒᐟ ᓬᐃᓀ started as a way to help provide greater access, care and understanding for Indigenous patients across the province. By connecting them to resources or even by simply offering a listening ear, the line is helping build equity in healthcare.

    Last year, the line received over 2,500 calls, providing recommendations, support or referrals to each caller.

    The Indigenous Support Line can be accessed by calling 1-844-944-4744 (toll-free) or Health Link at 811 Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Learn more here: Indigenous Support Line | Primary Care Alberta


    Primary Care Alberta's Indigenous Support Lineᐟᐦᐁ ᐃᐣdᐃgᐁᓄuᐢᐢuᑊᐳᕒᐟ ᓬᐃᓀ started as a way to help provide greater access, care and understanding for Indigenous patients across the province. By connecting them to resources or even by simply offering a listening ear, the line is helping build equity in healthcare.

    Last year, the line received over 2,500 calls, providing recommendations, support or referrals to each caller.

    The Indigenous Support Line can be accessed by calling 1-844-944-4744 (toll-free) or Health Link at 811 Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Learn more here: Indigenous Support Line | Primary Care Alberta

  • Indigenous recreation art program helps patients SOAR

    Indigenous recreation art program helps patients SOAR

    June 25, 2026

    ‘The community that we create in the time we’re here is just amazing’

    Story by Kelly Morris | Photo by Leah Hennel

    Staff and patients participate in the Spirit of Art and Reconciliation (SOAR) program at Chinook Regional Hospital.

    LETHBRIDGE — SOAR, the Spirit of Art and Reconciliation, continues to reduce stigma and inspire creativity weekly at Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH).

    The program, developed by Indigenous Health in partnership with Allied Health Therapeutic Recreation, brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients in the hospital’s Ceremony Room every Wednesday to support social

    Indigenous recreation art program helps patients SOAR

    June 25, 2026

    ‘The community that we create in the time we’re here is just amazing’

    Story by Kelly Morris | Photo by Leah Hennel

    Staff and patients participate in the Spirit of Art and Reconciliation (SOAR) program at Chinook Regional Hospital.

    LETHBRIDGE — SOAR, the Spirit of Art and Reconciliation, continues to reduce stigma and inspire creativity weekly at Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH).

    The program, developed by Indigenous Health in partnership with Allied Health Therapeutic Recreation, brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients in the hospital’s Ceremony Room every Wednesday to support social, emotional and cultural connection and healing.

    Participant Vincent White Quills is new to creating art, but with a little guidance and encouragement, his creation quickly began to tell his story. Using pastels, water and stencils, a bear and feather came to life on the page.

    “Kiááyo’s bear — he has strength,” shares White Quills. “And the feather reminds me of an eagle that’s got very powerful claws. He swirls in the wind as high as he can go.”

    The symbols of strength, power and freedom resonate with Vincent as he begins his recovery journey at the Lethbridge Recovery Centre, located within CRH.

    Supporting the program over the last year, therapy assistant Trishell Provost sees the benefits that SOAR brings to patients. Provost is Blackfoot, from the Piikani Nation, west of Lethbridge.

    “Being Indigenous, I think helps ease participants into feeling comfortable and safe to leave their room,” says Provost. “It’s such a foreign environment, especially being away from home and family, so if there’s someone that’s familiar, it can ease that tension.”

    “There’s been such a stigma to being in a hospital, that institutionalized place, so being able to have an area like this, a space to feel safe and tap into their creative side I think really benefits them and helps them in that healing process,” Provost adds.

    “I’ve been with the program for about a year or so, and I feel each time I come I always gain a different perspective on what this program means to the patients. It’s very welcoming and the community that we create in the time we’re here is just amazing.”

  • Thanks for celebrating with us!

    Throughout National Indigenous Peoples Month, healthcare teams across Alberta have been reflecting on embracing cultural safety for Indigenous patients, families and staff.

    This week's Closing Ceremonies at Alberta Hospital Edmonton came together through the dedication and coordination of many people across all provincial health agencies, teams and communities. The event featured Indigenous cultural performances, including First Nations powwow dancers, Métis jiggers and Inuit throat singers, along with moments of reflection on reconciliation, cultural safety, Indigenous health and the work happening across Alberta’s healthcare system.

    Thank you to everyone who shared their time, guidance and care throughout the month.

    If you missed any of this year's sessions, or want rewatch one, please visit our playlist.


    Throughout National Indigenous Peoples Month, healthcare teams across Alberta have been reflecting on embracing cultural safety for Indigenous patients, families and staff.

    This week's Closing Ceremonies at Alberta Hospital Edmonton came together through the dedication and coordination of many people across all provincial health agencies, teams and communities. The event featured Indigenous cultural performances, including First Nations powwow dancers, Métis jiggers and Inuit throat singers, along with moments of reflection on reconciliation, cultural safety, Indigenous health and the work happening across Alberta’s healthcare system.

    Thank you to everyone who shared their time, guidance and care throughout the month.

    If you missed any of this year's sessions, or want rewatch one, please visit our playlist.


  • Join us for the Closing Ceremonies

    Our 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month celebrations have focused on what cultural safety can look and feel like for patients. Throughout the month, we explored 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.

    As we draw our month of celebrations to a close, please join us online or in person for the Closing Ceremonies which will take place at the Alberta Hospital Edmonton.

    2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month Closing Ceremonies
    When: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
    When: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    Where: Alberta Hospital Edmonton (Google Map)

    17480 Fort Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6A8
    In person: Middle Courtyard at AHE: (map)
    Online: Zoom

    For those taking part in person, please join us afterwards for tea and bannock. We will also be hosting a Health Fair, and a Indigenous Vendor Market (be sure to bring some cash to support the local vendors!)

    Our 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month celebrations have focused on what cultural safety can look and feel like for patients. Throughout the month, we explored 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.

    As we draw our month of celebrations to a close, please join us online or in person for the Closing Ceremonies which will take place at the Alberta Hospital Edmonton.

    2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month Closing Ceremonies
    When: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
    When: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    Where: Alberta Hospital Edmonton (Google Map)

    17480 Fort Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6A8
    In person: Middle Courtyard at AHE: (map)
    Online: Zoom

    For those taking part in person, please join us afterwards for tea and bannock. We will also be hosting a Health Fair, and a Indigenous Vendor Market (be sure to bring some cash to support the local vendors!)

  • 2026 Virtual Events

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
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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.

    Previous presentations:
    Tuesday June 2
    10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.- Opening Ceremonies

    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

    Wednesday June 10
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    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.

    Previous presentations:
    Tuesday June 2
    10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.- Opening Ceremonies

    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

    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

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

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

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

    Friday June 19
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Introduction to Inuit Culture

    1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Weekly Closing Prayer

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

  • Wetaskiwin hospital mural reminder of proud Indigenous past

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    Cree artist from Maskwacîs shares artwork with continuing care residents
    Story by Jonathan Koch | Photo by Evan Isbister

    A mural installed at Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre stands strong as a powerful expression of Indigenous heritage and resilience.

    Created by Maskwacîs artist Mistikonapew (miss-stick-ōh-nah-pay-yô), also known as Byron Samson, the two newly installed wall-wrap murals celebrate the rich heritage of the Maskwacîs Cree Nations, while showcasing the diverse and inspiring lives of their people today, stories that are often less familiar to the broader public.

    For the self-taught artist, seeing his work displayed at such a large scale within
    Cree artist from Maskwacîs shares artwork with continuing care residents
    Story by Jonathan Koch | Photo by Evan Isbister

    A mural installed at Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre stands strong as a powerful expression of Indigenous heritage and resilience.

    Created by Maskwacîs artist Mistikonapew (miss-stick-ōh-nah-pay-yô), also known as Byron Samson, the two newly installed wall-wrap murals celebrate the rich heritage of the Maskwacîs Cree Nations, while showcasing the diverse and inspiring lives of their people today, stories that are often less familiar to the broader public.

    For the self-taught artist, seeing his work displayed at such a large scale within a healthcare setting, each measuring 23 by 7 ft., is a deeply emotional experience.

    “When I heard it was going to be in here, I thought, ‘that's fantastic’. People are going to see this [and our community is] going to be remembered,” Mistikonapew says.

    He adds he’s still awestruck by how well it turned out.

    “This is the first time for me to have any of my art blown up to this size, so it’s actually kind of a shock to me to see how well it's done,” he continues, explaining he was concerned the colour and definition would be lost in the scanning and digital translation. “But this looks exactly like I drew it.”

    Imbued with deep symbolism, the murals bring together historic Chiefs of the four Nations of Maskwacîs, including the artist’s and Cree continuing care resident’s ancestors with inspirational members of the Maskwacîs community, past and present.


    The homage to family was truly heartfelt. Mistikonapew was first inspired to draw by a cousin in grade three. Later another family member, the late singer-songwriter Shane Yellowbird, who is also featured in the art piece, encouraged him to develop his passion for photo-realism.

    “I like to say this is all his fault, because it was such a great motivator to finally have somebody say, ‘hey, you need to get better’ rather than, ‘oh, that's amazing’.”


    When the Chrysalis Quality of Life Project created an opportunity to enhance quality of life in Assisted Living Alberta continuing care facilities across central Alberta, recreation therapy team lead Garrett Gengler recognized an opportunity to incorporate artwork that reflected Maskwacîs Cree residents’ heritage.
    Having been introduced to Mistikonapew through a Cree resident at his site, Gengler and the artist began collaborating. Together, the pair refined their concept, blending yesterday and ‘now’ to inspire and inform.

    It was a message that deeply resonated with Mistikonapew.

    “I love that idea of this is where we're coming from, and this is possibly where we can go,” he adds. “We're kind of unlimited on what we can do now.”
    Nicole Belcourt, Indigenous Cultural Helper for Treaty 6 territory, says including positive representations of Indigenous Peoples within the facility, such as the mural, are so important.

    “It gives that visual sense of acknowledgment and recognition, and I think when you acknowledge and you recognize, it's like breaking that barrier of being misunderstood,” she says.

    Belcourt adds that including familiar faces from the community, and people residents may know or have known, helps strengthen that connection to the facility for Indigenous residents, particularly Cree residents from Maskwacîs.

    Mistikonapew says he feels both happy and honoured to have been chosen for the project and hopes other Indigenous artists will have similar opportunities to see their culture reflected in healthcare settings in the future.

    “Like anything else, art is meant to inspire people, bring them joy, happiness, maybe a reminder of where they came from, and where they're going,” he adds. “I think it will be really inspirational for healing and also just a reminder of where we all come from.”

    June is National Indigenous Peoples Month. During this time, we celebrate Assisted Living Alberta’s continued commitment to providing culturally safe care for all those we serve.

  • Conversation with G4 Talks Health

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    G4 Talks Health, an Indigenous-led podcast from G4 Health, invited Give Life Alberta to join a conversation about organ and tissue donation.

    Together, the group talked through common myths about donation and transplant, shared inspiring stories, and discussed why cultural safety is essential to building trust.

    Hosts Dalton Dodginghorse and Colton Crowchild also gifted ‘ally’ pins to GLA staff. The pins are beaded in the shape of a bison, the G4 Health logo.

    “[The ally pin] honours [guests’] willingness to sit with us ethically and in the spirit of collaboration,” says Dodginghorse.

    “We thank those that partner with us

    G4 Talks Health, an Indigenous-led podcast from G4 Health, invited Give Life Alberta to join a conversation about organ and tissue donation.

    Together, the group talked through common myths about donation and transplant, shared inspiring stories, and discussed why cultural safety is essential to building trust.

    Hosts Dalton Dodginghorse and Colton Crowchild also gifted ‘ally’ pins to GLA staff. The pins are beaded in the shape of a bison, the G4 Health logo.

    “[The ally pin] honours [guests’] willingness to sit with us ethically and in the spirit of collaboration,” says Dodginghorse.

    “We thank those that partner with us to amplify and support Îyethka and Tsuut’ina voices through important conversations that can positively impact the health and wellness of all our communities.”

    G4 Health represents four Nations in Treaty 7 Territory: Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, Goodstoney First Nation and Tsuut’ina First Nation.

    Listen to the podcast here: https://g4health.org/podcast



  • Inspiring Stories

    Meet some of the incredible people who work to provide culturally safe care across Alberta in our video gallery.

    Meet some of the incredible people who work to provide culturally safe care across Alberta in our video gallery.

  • 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.

  • 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.