Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026 at Bissell Centre

One of Bissell Centre’s largest and most joyful celebrations of the year is coming back with even more performers, food, activities, and cheer for the whole community.  

What: National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Where: Outside of Bissell Centre – 10527 96 Street

When: Friday, June 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Featuring art, performances, stew and bannock from Bissell Harvest Catering, and even an appearance from the children at Bissell Child Care.  

“Holding this celebration is incredibly important for many of the people who come to us seeking support,” says Heather Slade, Bissell Centre’s Manager of Indigenous Engagement. “Acknowledging this important day helps so many as they heal from the trauma of colonialism.” 

This Year’s Headliners at National Indigenous Peoples Day

The headline performers at this year’s NIPD celebration are Adrian LaChance and the Running Thunder Dancers, taking place from noon to 2:00 p.m. Their performances will include traditional drumming, singing, and dancing — including a round dance as a memorial for all the loved ones in the community we have lost over the years.  

Adrian LaChance and the Running Thunder Dancers have been performing traditional Indigenous dancing and drumming since 2010, and facilitating workshops to better support individuals, families, and communities through cultural connection, healing, and personal growth. LaChance himself is renowned for his powwow dancing and drumming. He has been showcasing the culture he carries from the James Smith Cree Nation across the world, including through Europe, Asia and New Zealand.  

A Celebration for the Entire Community

“Seeing the community come alive for this celebration is always so heartwarming,” says Slade. “NIPD reminds me about the hope I have for our vision to see an end to poverty in our community.” 

Bissell Centre’s annual NIPD celebration is just one of the many ways its Indigenous Engagement team makes space for ceremony, culture, and healing — guiding both people in the community and Bissell Centre as an organization.  

“With so many people we support coming from Indigenous Nations, ensuring Indigenous culture is integrated into what we do is crucial for their healing,” says Slade. “Bissell Centre is continuously seeking to be an ally with Indigenous communities. Our NIPD celebration is just one way we honour the resiliency of Indigenous communities.”  

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Bissell’s National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration weeks ago brought 96 St. right outside Bissell to life. Bissell Centre has been celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, proclaimed in 1996 by the Canadian Government, for well over a decade! This year, it was so much more than a block party– our team made sure this was a celebration to remember.

Keeping Traditions Alive

Our Food Services kitchen team made traditional stew and Bannock for everyone who attended. In total, they served more than 900 meals! Elders from the community held a traditional pipe ceremony to kick things off. They shared stories of struggle and expressed why the customs and traditions they grew up with are so important to folks from Indigenous communities.

Energetic Local Performances

Families enjoyed the traditional hand games from Indigenous communities. Plus, dance and music performances from the Thunder Lake Singers & Dancers and flutist Theo Waskahat. The block was alive with music, drumming, and dancing for the whole community to enjoy.

Sharing and Learning Together

National Indigenous Peoples Day is always an amazing celebration, but this year’s was truly one to remember. We’re so happy and grateful for everyone who came out, participated, shared their gifts, and helped make sure Indigenous customs and traditions will stay alive for the people who need them most.

National Indigenous Peoples Day 2023 Photo Highlights