This day is an opportunity for Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Okotoks has a number of activities planned throughout the month of June to recognize the heritage and contributions of the first peoples of this country.
2022 Event and Activity List
Join us on June 21 at 3 p.m. for the Naming ceremony of Piistoo Park at the former Dewdney Park on the grounds of the Okotoks Art Gallery (53 North Railway Street).
The event will include special guests and additional activities in partnership with the Indigenous community.
Learn more here
This park was formerly named “Dewdney Park” to recognize the period in our history when it was called the Village of Dewdney. The village was renamed Dewdney in 1891 to honour former Lieutenant Governor Edgar Dewdney. After discovering that there was already a Town called Dewdney in British Columbia, this community reverted to its original name, Okotoks, in 1897. Edgar Dewdney was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the residential school system in Canada. In light of this connection, and after consulting with the Indigenous community, Okotoks Council renamed this park “Piistoo Park” in June 2022 as a step towards truth and reconciliation.Little Moccasins Film & Exhibit
The 2014 documentary film, Little Moccasins, shares the story of St. Joseph’s Residential School, also known as Dunbow Residential School northeast of Okotoks, and honours the children who died and are buried at the school. Also on display are some of the 215 shoes from the 2021 memorial at the Okotoks Municipal Centre. These shoes are preserved and displayed at the museum to ensure these children – as well as all other children who did not make it home from residential schools – are not forgotten and the conversation continues now and in the future.
Up in the attic
A video presentation shares the geological history of the Big Rock as well as the Blackfoot Legend of the Big Rock, featuring Spike Eaglespeaker Jr. of Siksika First Nation. The attic playhouse is also stocked with a new collection of indigenous children’s books, recommended by local residents and locally sourced through Yooneek Books. We are grateful to the Okotoks and District Historical Society for funding this collection.
UPDATE June 17 - Class is full, waitlist is available at the link below.
Angela Bear Chief will lead participants through the process of beading in the creation of their very own piece of art. An option to create dangly earrings or a pin will be available. All supplies included.
Angela Bear Chief, a member of Siksika Nation, is a Bachelor of Arts student at St. Mary’s University in Calgary who will be graduating in June 2022 and is planning to enter the after-degree Bachelor of Education (Elementary) program in Fall 2022. Angela is a mature Indigenous student with 4 children and 6 grandchildren, and is an advocate for further education and inclusion. She also runs a home-based business as an Indigenous Entrepreneur creating Indigenous jewelry and clothing.
Wednesday, June 22 | 6 - 8 p.m. at the Okotoks Art Gallery
Ages 15+
$30+GST (Supply kit fee)
Course: 17262
Register here