Calendar Events held during Aboriginal Awareness Week
Starts: June 21, 2026 10:00 am
Ends: June 21, 2026 9:30 pm
Venue: ContainR Art Park and The Alexandra Centre
The Gathering at Moh’kinsstis | National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21, 2026
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society invites you to join us for The Gathering at Moh’kinsstis — a one-day Indigenous-led celebration of culture, ceremony, music, storytelling, art, and community connection in the heart of Calgary.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Hosted in partnership with ContainR Art Park & The Alexandra Centre
922 & 925 9 Avenue SE, Calgary (Inglewood)
This Gathering is an opportunity to bring to life a long-held vision: a visible, purpose-built, Indigenous-led Gathering Place in Calgary. For one day, we are creating space for Indigenous Peoples and communities to gather in a way that reflects the strength, diversity, cultures, and presence of Indigenous Peoples across Treaty 7 and beyond.
Guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the day will centre ceremony, cultural teachings, artistic expression, music, storytelling, and meaningful connection. The Gathering is open to all community members and welcomes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to come together in a spirit of respect, learning, celebration, and relationship.
Opening Ceremony | 10:00 a.m.
The day will begin in a good way with a Grand Entry, prayer, and tobacco offering led by Elder Miiksikaam. If you plan to attend the ceremony, please bring a tobacco offering.
Cultural Showcase | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Throughout the day, attendees will experience a vibrant Cultural Showcase featuring Indigenous artists, performers, storytellers, educators, and community leaders.
Featured programming includes:
- MC Tony Delaney (Kainai Nation)
- Powwow Demonstration by the Bullbear Family (Siksika Nation)
- Métis Jigging Demonstration by the Acuna Family (Métis Nation)
- Inuit storytelling by Tapisa Kilabuk (Inuit from Qikiqtaaluk)
- Hoop Dancing Demonstration by Shirley Hill (Siksika Nation)
- Traditional music and dancing by Pearl White Quills (Kainai Nation)
- Hand Games led by the Indigenous Programs team at YMCA Calgary
- Interactive demonstrations from IndigeSTEAM
- Arts and crafts activities for children
- Music throughout the day by DJ Caylem Simeon (Tsuut’ina Nation)
Indigenous Artisan Market | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Alexandra Centre will host a vibrant Indigenous Artisan Market featuring Indigenous artists, beadworkers, makers, designers, and small businesses from across the region. Vendor spots for the 2026 Gathering are now full.
Food will be available throughout the day from Soopz Kitchen during the market.
Evening Music Showcase | 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | ContainR Art Park
As day turns to night, The Gathering at Moh’kinsstis transforms into an unforgettable evening celebration of Indigenous music, energy, and talent. Join us at ContainR Art Park for a powerful lineup of Indigenous artists bringing hip hop, rock, bass music, and contemporary Indigenous sounds to the heart of the city.
The evening showcase features:
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DJ set by Young Dene
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Double Rider from Siksika Nation
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Hip hop artist Dwight Good Eagle Farahat
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Indigenous superstar Drezus
Young Dene, originally from TULÍT’A in the Sahtu region of the Dene homelands, is a well-known force in Canada’s West Coast bass music scene, bringing high-energy sounds and powerful Indigenous representation to stages across the country.
Double Rider is a classic rock power trio from Siksika Nation, Alberta, known for their electrifying live performances and roots-driven sound.
Dwight Good Eagle Farahat is a hip hop artist and founder of the Tribe Artist Society whose roots trace back to Siksika Nation, Palestine, and Wales. His music reflects identity, resilience, and Indigenous creativity.
Headlining the evening is Drezus, the multi-award-winning hip hop artist and influential cultural voice from Muskowekwan and Cote First Nations, recognized across Turtle Island for his powerful performances, chart-topping music, and unapologetic Indigenous pride.
Bring your friends, family, and dancing shoes as we close out National Indigenous Peoples Day with an evening of music, celebration, and community under the Calgary sky.
Event Schedule
10:00 a.m. — Opening Ceremony & Grand Entry
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Cultural Showcase at ContainR Art Park
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Indigenous Artisan Market at The Alexandra Centre
5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Evening Music Showcase at ContainR Art Park
Event Contact Information
Emma MacIsaac
Submitted: June 10, 2026
Modified:: June 10, 2026
Community Events…
June 12, 2026
3rd Annual Treaty 7 Celebration & Cultural Showcase
June 13, 2026
Sisikwan Rattle Making
June 13, 2026
First Nations Rodeo & Relay
June 14, 2026
Sisikwan Rattle Making
June 15, 2026
Aboriginal Awareness Week Opening Ceremonies
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