National Indigenous People's Day

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11:00 AM

Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack

Prayer & Opening Remarks

Elder Whiskeyjack is a lifelong learner who has dedicated his life to serving others. Whether he is mentoring or advocating for students or colleagues in the community, Francis’s steadfast positivity and determination shines through. A member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation, and a residential school survivor, Francis strives to walk a balanced, holistic path and live by the teachings handed down to him from his Elders. He is committed to sharing traditional knowledge and teachings, and promoting awareness and understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Francis’s background includes personal healing, health care promotion and cultural studies. He participated in the development of Edmonton’s Urban Aboriginal Accord and was a board member for the Native Friendship Centre. In 2010 he was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Education and in 2019, he received an honorary doctorate of law from the University of Alberta. Francis is also an accomplished artist, musician and cultural advisor. He maintains a close relationship with amiskwaciy Academy, where he spent many years sharing his knowledge and teachings with students, something that continues today. He is greatly admired throughout the Division for his unwavering dedication to supporting and mentoring students. Francis is an Elder with First Peoples’ House at the University of Alberta, where he supports students and staff in a variety of capacities. He is also fluent in the Nêhiyawêwin (Plains Cree) language and promotes learning and retaining the language. In addition to working with Edmonton Public Schools, he has worked for over 15 years as an Elder and cultural advisor at various community organizations including the University of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, MacEwan University, NAIT and Concordia University. An advocacy worker who goes the extra mile, Francis’s tireless and sincere desire to work on behalf of Indigenous peoples has earned him tremendous respect throughout the Edmonton area. Francis strives to incorporate thoughtfulness, kindness and curiosity in all of his endeavours. His hope for the new school is for students to feel welcomed, included and supported. Francis’s profound impact on the Edmonton Public School Division and the community will inspire students for generations to come. 

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11:30 AM

Lakota Tootoosis & Dancers

From the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Lakota Tootoosis has been hoop dancing for 10 years plus. Lakota has travelled internationally to perform in Taiwan, Alaska, and throughout North America showcasing his performance at many, many festivals and international gatherings.

The hoop dance is a storytelling dance and you will recognize formations like the butterfly, eagle and the world to name a few. You will have to utilize your imagination to see numerous images transform throughout his performance.

Lakota has performed with numerous dance troupes in his early years. He has now formed a dance group, Oskinakosiwin Indigenous Dance Group. Oskinakosiwin in Cree is translated as

"new image' and it is Lakotas' dream to empower other dancers through this dance group.

As an Indigenous role model and inspiration to many youth, Lakota takes pride in being a high demand hoop dancer throughout North America.

He shares his powerful personal story through hoop dancing but also by presenting motivational workshops. 

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12:30 PM

Inuuhiq Inuit Throat Singers Jana Angulalik and Brittney Ullulaq

Jana is an Inuit throat singer/drummer, Handpoke Tattoo Artist, Inuit Cultural Consultant and mother to Sequoia and Izaija. She grew up in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, and has called Treaty 6 her home for nearly 4 years.

Brittney is a Nettilingmiut Inuk artist from Yellowknife with family roots in Uqshuuqtuq (Gjoa Haven). She is a new mother to her son, Evren Attaq, the creator of Sedna’s Jewels, and a multidisciplinary artist and model whose work blends traditional materials with contemporary design.

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1:00 PM

Jaiden Riley

Jaiden Riley is an Albertan Metis singer/songwriter whose music captures the heart of the prairies and old soul storytelling. Rooted in the traditions of folk songwriting, classic country, and bluegrass, her sound is both timeless and unmistakably her own. Often punctuated by a cheeky yodel or two, honing in on an old-world country sound inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Dolly Parton.

Blending heart-worn ballads with gritty, hard-driving arrangements, she strikes a rare balance. Jaiden writes with fearless vulnerability, drawing from lived experience and reverence for honesty and authenticity in song — her performances carry a limitless energy that leaves every room leaning in.

Deeply tied to her Métis heritage and the oral practice of storytelling, Jaiden writes with fearless vulnerability, drawing from lived experience and a reverence for honesty and authenticity in song.

Whether it’s an intimate room, a raucous bar, or a festival stage, Jaiden brings an infectious energy that turns every crowd into part of the story. Backed by her beloved band, The Crybabies, or commanding the stage solo, she’s been turning heads across Alberta’s most iconic stages — from the Calgary Stampede, The Ironwood, The historic King Eddy, and Festival Hall. Sharing stages with artists such as Lainey Wilson, Joel Plaskett, Shaela Miller, and Noeline Hofmann. Crowned the 2025 winner of ranchman’s Country 105 rising star, securing a Mainstage performance at country thunder Alberta 2026.

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2:00 PM

W.T. Goodspirit

W.T. Goodspirit (Wayne Jackson) is a singer/songwriter whose debut album "Give Me a Sign," was nominated at various Indigenous/Native American music award shows, including multiple nominations for Best Country Album and Best Traditional Roots at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, The Native American Music Awards, and the Alberta Aboriginal Music Awards.

Since winning the Aboriginal Icon contest in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2005, W.T. has recorded numerous songs and traveled extensively and played at various festivals and venues, all the while making new friends and fans; he has had the honor of performing with other notable Indigenous & non-Indigenous artists.

Currently, W.T. is the Education Director at his home nation of Whitefish Lake #128 often referred to as Goodfish Lake. W.T. continues to spend time in his other life's passion, which is teaching and instructing the nêhiyawêwin language. W.T. had also spearheaded the Nehiyawe Cultural Institute, where efforts are being made to introduce immersion programming at all levels.

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3:00 PM

Dallas Arcand

An Indigenous Entertainer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Also a registered member of the Alexander First Nation, Alberta. His passion for Arts and culture have always been prominent in his upbringing, empowering him to become a three-time World Champion Hoop Dancer. Throughout his 30+ year career of performing, Arcand’s singing, dancing and traditional flute skills have earned him numerous accolades. Dallas is a graduate of the Mount Royal University transfer program majoring in behavioral sciences and Indigenous history. He also is a graduate of the National Indigenous Professional Artist (NIPAT) program, and since 2020 has been an instructor at the NIPAT program teaching and mentoring Indigenous artists. In early 2020 when the pandemic hit, on his Facebook page Dallas started a free online fitness class and program called ‘Powwow Dance Aerobics’ PWDA.

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