National Indigenous History Month at Calgary Public Library is bringing the community together to celebrate the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Treaty 7 with events, activities, and resources. 

The month has become a significant tradition for many Calgarians. More than 200 people attended the kickoff event over the weekend — a film screening of Singing Back the Buffalo. The film shared the stories of the Indigenous visionaries, scientists, and communities that are rematriating the buffalo to the heart of the North American plains. This is the first of many more programs that will educate and inspire throughout June.  

“National Indigenous History Month is an important opportunity to create spaces for conversation and learning and to celebrate the vast cultures of Indigenous peoples across the country and right here in Wîcîspa, Guts’ists’i, and Moh’kinstsis,” says Sarah Meilleur, CEO of Calgary Public Library. “Stories are shared, voices celebrated, and community is at the heart." 

Guided by the Calls to Action and White Goose Flying report, the Library is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing by listening to, learning from, and building relationships with local Indigenous communities. Throughout the year, patrons can meet with elders from different nations at the Elders' Guidance Circle, visit ten locations with Indigenous Placemaking — installations by artists from or with a connection to Treaty 7 — and so much more.  

This month, all 22 Library locations will have buttons, Land Acknowledgement bookmarks, and Indigenous Placemaking booklets. From film screenings, storytimes, and special guest appearances, there are also plenty of programs to take part in throughout June.  

"Working with community members for events like National Indigenous History Month ensures we are sharing directly from the root of the culture and is a vital part of helping everyone feel they belong at the Library,” says Kelli Morning Bull, Service Design Lead at Calgary Public Library. "It’s an honour to have a platform like the Library to share people being their authentic selves and to have a space to share who they are."    

Music Under the Archway with Damase Elis, Jaiden Riley, and Caitlin Goulet  

Sunday afternoons in June | Central Library 

Three incredible Indigenous musicians from Calgary will perform in our Music Under the Archway series. On Sunday afternoons at Central Library, you can experience the powerful voices and diverse sounds of these talented local artists.    

A Circle of Support 

Wednesday, June 4 at 1:00 pm | Central Library 

On June 4 at Central Library, Indigenous-serving organizations will be part of a resource fair. Patrons can find supports including tax help for low-income individuals, Social Insurance Number registration, applications for family and social assistance, and other non-profit resources. There will also be free frybread and refreshments, music, and a storytime. 

Celebrating Indigenous Sport Heroes

Thursday, June 12 at 11:00 am | Central Library

On June 12, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will host an inspiring livestream. Olympic gold medalist and PWHL star Jocelyne Larocque and Chantal Larocque-Fritzsche, a Tom Longboat Award winner, will share stories of sport, identity, and representation. This event can also be attended in-person at Central Library. 

People attending multiple events this month can pick up a bingo card with various activities and tasks, bringing it back to the Library at the end of June for a special prize. For more information on National Indigenous History Month programs, visit calgarylibrary.ca/indigenous-services.