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 at the Royal Alberta Museum 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, or relax and reconnect at the boutique luxury lodge!
Fort Edmonton Park
The brand new Indigenous Peoples Experience is an awe-inspiring new addition to the park's exciting offerings. Gather and explore life through the diversity of First Nations' and Métis Peoples' histories and perspectives. The stories, music, artwork, and text in the experience come from local Indigenous perspectives and voices, gathered through engagement with local Indigenous communities and research.
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. Situated in Queen Elizabeth Park, it is 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!
