Walking Together this June

June in the Bow Valley brings longer days, greener landscapes, and a feeling of renewal. It’s a season of change — and a reminder to pause, reflect and listen more deeply.

Each year, National Indigenous History Month in June and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 invite us to learn about and honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Here in Canmore, we live, work, and gather on Treaty 7 territory — the lands of the Îyârhe Nakoda Peoples, the Blackfoot Confederacy, and Tsuut’ina First Nation as well as the Rocky View Métis District within the Battle River Territory.

This connection to place comes with a responsibility to listen, learn, and build respectful relationships where Indigenous voices are included and heard.

At the Town, we’re committed to taking meaningful steps toward change — whether that’s through supporting Indigenous-led youth programming, engaging with Îyârhe Nakoda Elders and Knowledge Keepers in community planning, or reviewing municipal practices through the lens of Truth and Reconciliation.

This month, we invite you to take part. Throughout June, the Town of Canmore is hosting a series of Cultural Learning Workshops in partnership with Listen Studios and the Îyârhe Nakoda Youth Program.

Then, on Saturday, June 14, join us at the Civic Centre Plaza for a cultural celebration including traditional drumming, dancing, and an Indigenous art market with Authentically Indigenous.

These are our chances as a community to not only celebrate, but to learn together and connect with our neighbours.

Like the seasons, our understanding can shift and grow. Whether you're joining in for the first time or continuing a long-standing journey of learning, I encourage everyone in our community to be part of it.

Together, we can honour the stories of this land and its people — and help shape a better future for us all.

Learn more about National Indigenous History Month in Canmore at canmore.ca/NIHM.