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.
-
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 HennelCALGARY — 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
-
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. -
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 -
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 mîkiwahpContinue reading -
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 bluesContinue reading
-
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.
-
Maskwacîs artist Mistikonapew, also known as Byron Samson, shares the family, community and cultural connections behind his mural at Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre.
The two newly installed wall-wrap murals celebrate Cree heritage, Indigenous art in healthcare spaces and the Maskwacîs Cree Nations. The artwork brings together historic Chiefs from the four Nations, including the artist’s own ancestors and ancestors of Cree continuing care residents, alongside inspirational community members past and present.
The murals help create a more welcoming healthcare space for patients, continuing care residents, families, staff and visitors while honouring culture, history, identity and connection. The project reflects the importance of cultural safety in Indigenous healthcare, including long-term care and continuing care for Indigenous patients and residents in Alberta.
-
Keynote Speaker Reagan Bartel, Health Director for the Otipemisiwak Metis Government, shares her perspectives on what it means to embrace cultural safety at the 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month Closing Ceremonies at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
-
This performance of Métis jigging and fiddling was part of the Closing Ceremonies for National Indigenous Peoples Month 2026 at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
-
Traditional First Nations Dancing at the 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month Closing Ceremonies, hosted at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
-
Inuit Throat Singers performed at the Closing Ceremonies for National Indigenous Peoples Month 2026 at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. This performance was sponsored by Assisted Living Alberta.
