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.

Wetaskiwin hospital mural reminder of proud Indigenous past

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 withinContinue reading

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.
2026 Virtual Events

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 three – June 15 to June 29
Friday June 19
***NEW SESSION*** 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Introduction to Inuit Culture
Register here
1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Weekly Closing Prayer
Register here

Week four – June 22 to June 23
Monday June 22
12:00 p.m. to 1:00Continue reading
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 three – June 15 to June 29
Friday June 19
***NEW SESSION*** 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Introduction to Inuit Culture
Register here
1:30 p.m. to 2:00 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:
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
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)
Click here to register and join
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)
Click here to register and join
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!)
Conversation with G4 Talks Health

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 usContinue reading
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.

Don't miss out - register today: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/careers/Page13120.aspx

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.

Don't miss out - register today: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/careers/Page13120.aspx
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 freeContinue reading

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, AlbertaContinue reading

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

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

***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