The UASU's 5th annual Indigenous Celebration Week
The University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU), is hosting the 5th annual Indigenous Celebration Week (ICW), from January 26-29, 2026.
This year’s theme is Land-based Learning. Events and workshops will highlight Indigenous ways of knowing through connection to land, culture, art, and community.
Join us for hands on workshops, teachings, ceremonies, and gatherings led by Indigenous knowledge keepers, artists, and students throughout the week.
ICW 2026 Schedule of Events
All events are open invitation to Indigenous students, staff, alumni, and their allies, unless otherwise stated.
Monday, January 26
10 AM: Pipe Ceremony | Cascade Room (SUB Lower Level)
Opening ceremony for ICW 2025 led by a local Elder.
11:30 AM - 1 PM : Walking and Wâhkôhtowin | Cascade Room (SUB Lower Level)
Dwayne Donald (University of Alberta Faculty of Education) will share insights gained from many years of walking beside the North Saskatchewan River.
Tuesday, January 27
11 AM - 1 PM: Open Fire Cooking & Indigenous Student Group Gathering | Main Quad, North Campus
Gather to cook bannock over an open fire and share community with others. Supplies and equipment provided; hot beverages and condiments will be provided by the Horowitz Event Centre Catering.
1-3 PM: Beading & Tufting Workshop | Marigold Room (SUB Lower Level)
Create something from the heart! Join Kaylynn for beading and tufting Valentine’s heart pins.
Limited capacity; please register for a spot here.
Wednesday January 28
11 AM - 4 PM : Indigenous Artisan Vendor Market | SUB Main Floor
Explore our annual Indigenous market featuring a variety of talented Indigenous Artisans from the Edmonton area.
2 PM - 4 PM: Star Teachings Session | SUB Atrium (Lower Level)
Join George Desjarlais, Cree Knowledge Keeper/Facilitator, in his dome as he shares his knowledge of the night sky and the wonders of the stars.
Limited capacity; please register for a spot here.
Thursday January 29
10 AM - 12 PM Seal Skin Ornament Making | Orion Room (SUB Lower Level)
Inuit/Métis artist Tracy Alikamik will share her skills and knowledge as participants create seal skin ornaments.
Limited capacity; please register for a spot here.
12 PM - 2 PM Fish Scale Art Session | Marigold Room (SUB Lower Level)
This hands-on, land-based workshop explores fish-scale art through a Métis lens, focusing on sustainability, harvesting practices, and respect for the animal. Participants will create their own artwork while learning about ethical material use and relationships to land and water through making. Led by Fayth Armson - Métis Artisan.
Limited capacity; please register for a spot here.
3 PM - 4 PM Indigenous Celebration Week Feast, sponsored by the Indigenous Students' Union | Dinwoodie Lounge (2nd Level SUB)
Limited capacity; registration required. All Indigenous students, staff, alumni welcome. RSVP here.
The Indigenous Students' Union is proud to help sponsor this dinner for Indigenous Celebration Week 2026. This feast will be shared together in community, to honour and show our gratitude to the Elders in our community who work hard to support the web of connections that entangle all of us together. They aid us through their lived experiences and connect us to our ancestors through our academic journey. In Cree, "Elder" is known as kiseyiniw, which is derived from the word kisewew, which roughly translates to protector. Both kiseyiniw and kisewew are related to kisewatisiwin, which means "kindness, compassion, empathy." Our elders protect knowledge, traditions, stories, and teaching while offering us a safe environment to grow as students and as community members. Our Elders are so important in passing on knowledge, teachings, stories, and lived experience to Indigenous youth, and we are so grateful to have you all be a part of our journey. We are excited to announce The Kiseyiniw Grant to ensure student groups have access to culturally appropriate knowledge, support, and guidance.