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May 26, 2026 Share this Story

Celebrate Indigenous History at the Library

Every June at Calgary Public Library, the community comes together to celebrate National Indigenous History Month. What began as a week-long event has grown into a robust month filled with events, activities, and resources from the Library and partners.  

Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors of all ages are invited to reflect, celebrate, and come together. Stories are shared, voices lifted, and community is at the heart. 

2026 National Indigenous History Month 

From showcasing powwow dances and music, creating spaces for conversation, food, and celebrating the vast culture of Treaty 7 and those who call Calgary home, National Indigenous History Month has grown into one of Calgary Public Library's largest programs.  

The theme of this year's National Indigenous History Month is Indigenous joy and connection. Programs this June include: 

  • An opening ceremony featuring a vibrant celebration of Indigenous singing and dancing
  • A film screening of Sweet Summer Powwow
  • An Indigenous joy panel of community artists discussing what Indigenous joy means to them
  • A lunch and learn Powwow special with live drumming and dancing performances 

Visit our website for full program details. 

A Journey of Growth 

National Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Services at the Library didn't come to fruition overnight.  

Calgary Public Library takes pride in being a place where everyone belongs. As a large organization that serves over 815,000 members, there is a responsibility to provide programs and services that reflect the diversity of our community. 

However, the Library hasn't always been a place where everyone felt welcome and there’s a lot of mistrust in Indigenous communities towards libraries. It took 104 years for Indigenous peoples from surrounding First Nations in Treaty 7 to get a Calgary Public Library card without paying the non-resident fee. That change only happened ten years ago, in 2016. 

The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada includes details on the history and legacy of Indian residential schools as well as 94 Calls to Action. Call to Action 69 specifically asks libraries, museums, and archives to reexamine their commitment to truth and reconciliation and commit more resources to sharing the true history of Indigenous peoples with our communities. 

Celebrating Treaty 7 Culture Year-round 

Since 2019, the Indigenous Services team has expanded and has played a vital role to help Indigenize and decolonize the Library.  

“It's important to build relationships, meet people where they are at rather than having them come to you, recognize and appreciate time with Elders, and demonstrate or bring to action what is being taught,” says Kelli Morning Bull, Senior Service Designer at Calgary Public Library. 

Beyond National Indigenous History Month, there are many programs and resources that can help you learn more about and stay connected to Treaty 7.  

Language and culture preservation is at the core of Indigenous Services at the Library. Services including the Elders’ Guidance Circle and Indigenous Languages Resource Centre help keep our community connected and provide opportunities for visitors to learn through the lived experiences and guidance from Elders. 

The Library also showcases the beauty of Treaty 7 culture through Indigenous Placemaking installations. The initiative develops traditional and contemporary artworks that promote understanding of Indigenous peoples and cultures within Treaty 7. There are currently 12 locations with Indigenous Placemaking installations, with more in the planning stages.  

Visit our website to learn more about Indigenous Services and upcoming programs at the Library. 

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