Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day

The City of Lethbridge invites the community to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) on Friday, June 21 with a day of events and entertainment.

Starting at 10 a.m., the community is invited to attend the inaugural flag raising of the Métis flag at the newly installed flagpole along Métis Trail at the Blackfoot Boulevard West intersection. City Council approved funding for the flagpole in 2022 to support, promote and recognize Indigenous peoples and culture within the community.

The celebrations continue at Galt Gardens from noon with the opening ceremony and a free community feast. All members of the community are invited to attend to hear from officials and community organizations while enjoying a delicious lunch, while supplies last.

Entertainment and free family-friendly activities are planned all afternoon at the Gardens until 7 p.m. with local Indigenous artists, market and community partners. 

The Lethbridge Public Library also has a range of activities planned to celebrate the day. From Indigenous Storytime, rock dot art and making friendship bracelets.

Fort Whoop-Up has a day of activities planned including the opening of the BuffaloMech exhibit and digital art installation from students at the University of Lethbridge.

Know a local Indigenous artist who would love to see their design on the City’s Orange Shirt this year? The Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee (RLAC) and the City are also seeking local Indigenous artists to submit their Orange Shirt designs in preparation for Reconciliation Week.

Indigenous artists in the Lethbridge and surrounding areas are eligible to submit their designs. The artwork must be an original design and must be suitable for printing on a t-shirt.

The winning entry will be chosen via a nominations committee comprised of RLAC and the City’s Indigenous Relations Office and will become the design for the 2024 Orange Shirt. The winner will also receive a $500.00 honorarium.

Interested artists can find all of the details and criteria for submission here before the application deadline of Monday, July 31, 2024 at 5 p.m.

For Public Inquiries:
Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.