Indigenous celebrations have taken place at the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park in the past but none will measure up to the activities planned for this Friday, June 21, which is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Drumming, singing, dancing hourly and interpretive walks are all part of the celebration of the rich heritage of our Indigenous People that runs from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Friday. There's also traditional games, hands-on learning, an art exhibition created by Indigenous youth and local vendors.

The event is free for all.

Parking is limited and people are encouraged to carpool or signup online for a free shuttle service available from both Morley and Cochrane. Advance registration is required for the shuttle and bookings can be made here.

Sarah Parker, executive director of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF), says the day is a chance to celebrate the rich relationship the park has with the Stoney Nakoda people. Other partners in the day include the Town of Cochrane, Rocky View Schools, Cochrane Tourism, Alberta Parks, the Cochrane Foundation and corporate sponsors Telus, Garmin and Urban Systems.

"We are aiming for a much larger and much more exciting event than ever before," says Parker.

"We've always wanted to dig deeper into the rich Indigenous culture found here at the park and have our foundation focus on that piece of educational possibilities."

In part, the federal government's Truth and Reconciliation Report speaks to the need for everyday people to build relationships and a sense of understanding and similarities between people. 

"We are hoping that members from the public near and far will come and learn things they didn't know, meet people they've never met before. We are hoping to bring the spirit of reconciliation to life through learning, making connections, gratitude and of course fun. We have hundreds of kids coming so I think the fun will be easily had."

The event will be held on the Yodel Loop that can be easily spotted from the park's visitor centre. Along the way, visitors can view signs prepared by Glenbow Elementary School students that feature animals and plants found in the park. With the help of a Stoney Nakoda elder, Stoney names were included with the art.

"Members of the public will be able to follow this interpretive sign down and back from the event and learn some Stoney names they may have never known before," she says.

Currently featured at the visitor centre is half of the art exhibit "Warrior Paint: A Culture of Caring" that features the creative work of First Nations, Metis and Inuit students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 of Glenbow Elementary School. The art was prepared through the school's Roots and Wings cultural education program. The exhibit originally opened at the Peter Lougheed park on June 22, 2015. It will be available for viewing at the Glenbow Ranch park until at least the end of June.

GRPF was established in 2007 as a partner in the development of Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Through a partnership with the Alberta Government, the GRPF provides visitor services, public programs, and fundraises for the provincial park.