Indigenous Itinerary
Many Indigenous groups reside in Amiskwaciy Waskahikan, also known as Edmonton, and the history of the land is long and vibrant. Explore the top Indigenous experiences in and around the city!
Royal Alberta Museum
For thousands of years, Indigenous people have lived in all parts of Alberta. Explore their ancient lifestyles and discover how Indigenous people maintain strong connections with significant places and stories of their past. Be sure to find the Manitou Asinîy, a sacred meteorite believed to hold great power and significance to many Indigenous communities!
Métis Crossing
Located just 1.5 hours outside of Edmonton, Métis Crossing celebrates the story of the Métis through traditional crafts, tours, and food experiences. Take their Paddle into Past voyageur canoe experience or enjoy tours of their museum, historical village or new Cultural Gathering Centre! Stay the night and cozy up in a traditional trapper’s tent!
Fort Edmonton Park
Depart on an iconic journey through Edmonton's rich history, from Fur Trade to the Roaring Twenties! Coming in 2021, the new Indigenous Peoples Experience will allow visitors to learn about First Nations and Métis peoples, who will recount their history through storytelling and programming. Please note: Fort Edmonton Park is currently closed and will reopen in May 2021.
Elk Island National Park
Just outside of Edmonton lies a wild oasis, the perfect place to hike, canoe, camp, and spot free roaming bison! At Elk Island National Park, Indigenous voices share their own stories of their history and culture. Join programming at the Park to connect with these experiences and deepen your understanding of Indigenous peoples.
Bearclaw Gallery
More of an art lover? The Bearclaw gallery carries a diverse selection of Canadian First Nations, Métis and Inuit art. This gallery also features works from internationally acclaimed Indigenous artists including Alex Janvier, known to be a pioneer of contemporary Canadian Aboriginal art in Canada.
Indigenous Art Park
In the Fall of 2018, Edmonton opened its first Indigenous Art Park complete with breathtaking views of the river valley and downtown Edmonton. In this beautiful park, you will find six art installations, created by Indigenous artists who were asked to create pieces “inspired by this land”.
Festivals
If you’re a cinematography fanatic or love Indigenous performing arts, don’t miss the Dreamspeakers International Film Festival and Rubaboo Theatre Festival! Edmonton is also lucky enough to have its very own annual Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival put on by the Canadian Native Friendship Centre of Edmonton. In past years, this festival has held the world's largest round dance!
Indigenous Eats
Feeling hungry? Indigenous Chefs in Edmonton are serving up incredible dishes across the city! Culina To Go is a takeout concept restaurant owned and operator by siblings Brad and Cindy Lazarenko. Both Métis, Brad and Cindy pay homage to their roots by offering Indigenous Mondays at the restaurant. Shane Chartrand, executive chef of SC Restaurant at the River Cree Resort and Casino, uses his Indigenous heritage to influence his cooking and his creative and progressive Indigenous dishes. Swapping hot dog and burger buns for bannock, Native Delights food truck has become a lunchtime staple for many locals. Didn’t catch them? They also have a permanent location open Saturdays and Sunday.