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National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month, a month for all Canadians to celebrate the heritage, diversity and achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit through events and celebrations across our country and province. Canadians are also invited to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21^st each year. While June is the national month of celebration, learning about First Nations, Métis and Inuit people’s historical and contemporary contributions to Canadian society can happen throughout the year.

Learn about the History, Cultures, and Perspectives of Indigenous Peoples

Learning about the history, cultures and perspectives of Indigenous peoples in Canada is an important and valued part of Alberta’s curriculum.

Alberta’s commitment to mandatory First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences in curriculum was reaffirmed on March 27, 2014, at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) event in Edmonton. Alberta is also committed to implementing the principles and objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in a way that is consistent with the Canadian Constitution and Alberta law.

To honour these commitments, we continue to work with our education partners, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit stakeholders, to enhance curriculum to provide additional opportunities for students and teachers to learn about residential schools, treaties and First Nations, Métis and Inuit history, perspectives, culture and contributions throughout the K–12 programs of study. 

Cree and Blackfoot language, culture and perspectives are explored in Cree Language and Culture Programs of Study and the Blackfoot Language and Culture Programs of Study. A focus on Indigenous peoples’ perspectives when learning about our country’s origins and development is central to the K-12 Social Studies Program of Studies and the Aboriginal Studies 10-20-30 Programs of Study.

Visit Alberta Education’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education page for more information.