Experience Indigenous Culture in Edmonton

Long before Edmonton became Alberta’s capital city and Canada’s fifth-largest municipality, it served as a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples. Situated in the traditional territories of the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuline (Dene), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), and Métis Peoples, each nation has its own unique history tied to this land.

Today, Edmonton boasts one of the largest urban populations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada. Within Treaty No. 6 territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4, approximately six percent of the city’s population identifies as Indigenous. This vibrant cultural diversity provides numerous opportunities to gain insight into Indigenous heritage and traditions. Here are some exceptional ways to explore the Indigenous side of Edmonton.

1. Visit the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton Park is the largest living history museum in Canada, offering visitors an opportunity to experience life during various historical eras. The impressive 30,000-square-foot Indigenous Peoples Experience exhibit was developed in consultation with Indigenous Elders and community members, showcasing their stories and perspectives. Local Indigenous interpreters guide visitors through the park, where music, artwork, artifacts, and audiovisual components highlight the diverse cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples in the region.

2. Sample Indigenous Food

Edmonton offers various dining options featuring Indigenous-inspired dishes crafted by talented Indigenous chefs. Restaurants like Homefire Grill in Edmonton’s west end serve delicious items such as bison spring rolls, bison burgers, and elk lasagna. For quick bites, Tee Pee Treats offers traditional bannock while Native Delights provides food truck favorites like bannock burgers. Chef Brad Lazarenko’s family of restaurants is committed to farm-to-table practices and emphasizes local sourcing.

3. See Bison at Elk Island National Park

A visit to Edmonton wouldn’t be complete without seeing bison, symbols of the Indigenous peoples’ connection to the land. Elk Island National Park, located just 25 miles east of the city, is home to about 400 plains bison and 300 wood bison. This park played a crucial role in bison conservation efforts in Canada, having successfully restored these majestic animals from near-extinction.

4. Experience Indigenous Art

Art is a significant part of Indigenous culture; thus, experiencing it is essential. In Edmonton, înw (pronounced EE-nu), the Indigenous Art Park, located in Queen Elizabeth Park, features a variety of community art pieces that tell stories inspired by the land. Additionally, Bearclaw Gallery focuses on Indigenous fine art including sculptures, paintings, and crafts. iBestTraveljack Art House provides contemporary and traditional art, while the Art Gallery of Alberta showcases a broader array of Indigenous artworks.

5. Wander the Galleries of the Royal Alberta Museum

At the Royal Alberta Museum, particularly in the Human History Hall, visitors will find a vast collection of Indigenous artifacts and relics that depict life before and after European colonization. With an emphasis on the cultures of the Nêhiyawak (Plains Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Dene, and Métis peoples, this museum provides insight into their historical and contemporary existence.

6. Stroll Through the University of Alberta Indigenous Peoples Garden

The Indigenous Peoples Garden at the University of Alberta Botanic Gardens is the first of its kind in Canada. Established in 1980, the garden showcases plants with traditional uses to Indigenous communities, including medicinal and ornamental varieties. This unique garden experience helps visitors appreciate Indigenous relationships with the environment.

7. Experience an Indigenous Festival

Known as “Canada’s festival city,” Edmonton hosts over 50 festivals each year. The National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration during Indigenous History Month is a must-attend event, showcasing Indigenous culture through food, live performances, and traditional ceremonies. Various other festivals throughout the year, such as the Dreamspeakers International Indigenous Film Festival and the Rubaboo Arts Festival, also highlight Indigenous talent across arts and culture.

8. Explore Indigenous Experiences at Telus World of Science

The Telus World of Science in Edmonton offers a range of interactive Indigenous educational experiences that connect traditional knowledge with modern science. Exhibits like “Legends of the Northern Sky” and “Arctic Journey” explore Indigenous stories, wildlife, and ecosystems, providing visitors with engaging ways to learn.

9. Visit Métis Crossing

Located about 70 miles northeast of Edmonton, Métis Crossing immerses visitors in Métis culture. This cultural center provides opportunities to engage with Elders, sample Indigenous cuisine, and partake in traditional crafts. Visitors can also observe white bison, sacred animals in many Indigenous cultures, and enjoy lodging options that embrace the natural surroundings.

10. Take a City Tour with an Indigenous Guide

To deepen your understanding of Edmonton’s Indigenous history, consider a city tour led by Indigenous guide Keith Diakiw. His insights unveil hidden stories and significant locations, allowing visitors to engage with Indigenous history in a meaningful way.