June at AAISA: Honouring Pride, Refuge, and Indigenous Histories

June is a meaningful month of celebration, reflection, and action for our sector and the communities we serve. We recognize National Indigenous History Month, Pride Month, and World Refugee Day on June 20th. Each marking an opportunity to honour these communities and strengthen our commitment to inclusion, equity, and reconciliation.

At AAISA, we believe in the power of community and the importance of standing together in celebration, remembrance, and advocacy. This month serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to advance equity, dignity, and belonging for all members of our community.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation

AAISA is committed to progressing our work toward the 94 Calls to Action. This commitment includes learning, unlearning, and taking meaningful action in support of Indigenous sovereignty.

These observances remind us that our work extends beyond a single month or day. They call us to ongoing action, continuous learning, and sustained commitment to building a more inclusive Alberta where every person can thrive.

During this month, we encourage all AAISA members and community partners to learn and celebrate Indigenous culture.

Community Events and Resources

We want to highlight the rich array of community events happening throughout Alberta this month, offering opportunities for learning, celebration, and connection.

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s a month filled with activities and community events that will help expand your knowledge and help you take actionable steps in truth and reconciliation.

Events in Calgary

On June 14, participate in the National Indigenous Family Day and Powwow at Enmax Park.
On June 16, join Honouring Mother Earth to celebrate the Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Week Opening Ceremonies.
On June 21, celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at Heritage Park with a full day of community-led programming, including a vibrant Powwow.
On June 21, participate in the Walk for Reconciliation 2025 starting at the Harry Hays Building!
Join the University of Calgary to mark National Indigenous People’s Day for their annual Campfire Chats.
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with the Calgary Public Library. They offer educational resources on Indigenous culture and history, and holding several events over National Indigenous History Month. Events include “Music Under the Archway with Damase Elis, Jaiden Riley, and Caitlin Goulet” on June 8, 22 and 29, an online and in-person event featuring Indigenous sports heroes on June 12 and more.

Events in Edmonton

On June 20th, join Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society to celebrate their annual Cultural Camp.
Celebrate National Indigenous Day with IAM Collective at TELUS World of Science on June 21, featuring local Indigenous artists, live entertainment, and a free community BBQ.
Checkout all the events happening in Edmonton here.

Virtual Events

Join Alberta Health Services for a month-long celebration of Indigenous peoples living in Alberta by taking part in daily virtual events that celebrate diversity among Indigenous peoples and communities.

Resources for Learning

World Refugee Day

Each year on June 20, the world honours the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. The UNHCR has called on all of us to show solidarity with people forced to flee.

“Solidarity means honouring refugees not just with words but with actions. It means listening to them and making space for their stories. It means defending their right to seek safety and finding solutions to their plight, ending conflicts so they can return home in safety.

It means ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in the communities that have welcomed them and providing countries with the resources they need to include and support refugees.

But above all, solidarity means saying, clearly and courageously, that refugees are not alone and that we will not turn our backs.”

Events in Calgary:

Join Calgary Local Immigration Partnership (CLIP) to celebrate World Refugee Day. This summer, they will be hosting the Refuge Canada Tent, a bilingual traveling exhibit created by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. This powerful, immersive experience is designed to look and feel like a real refugee tent—bringing the realities of refugee life into public spaces across Canada.

Events in Medicine Hat:

Join the Saamis Immigration Services Association on June 20 for Observing World Refugee Day with a morning workshop and afternoon panel discussions.

Pride Month

June is Pride Month; a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ (2spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer) people and communities. For many newcomers, especially Black or racialized, navigating life in Canada can mean facing overlapping challenges, from racism to homophobia and transphobia. Support can be limited and finding belonging isn’t always easy, especially while exploring identity or adjusting to new cultural norms.

Events in Edmonton:

Enjoy Summer of Pride where over 50 events throughout June, including drag shows, community gatherings, and more.

Events in Calgary and surrounding areas:

On June 18, join Women’s Centre of Calgary for Juneteenth: Black Queer History to honours the rich history, resilience, and excellence of Black Queer communities while recognizing the legacy and significance of Juneteenth.
Join the Calgary Public Library on June 23 for The Legacy and Lineage of Drag at the Central Library.
Celebrate Pride at the Airdrie Pride Festival on June 28 at Nose Creek Park.
Celebrate Pride Month with the Calgary Public Library.