Family Day - An Immersion into Inuit Culture

Celebrate Family Day: An Immersion into Inuit Culture & Teachings at Fort Edmonton Park! A Family Day Journey to the North: Discover the Spirit of the Inuit!

This Family Day, embark on an extraordinary journey of cultural discovery right here in the heart of Edmonton. Join us at Fort Edmonton Park for a truly unique and enriching celebration where the resilient spirit, profound traditions, and captivating artistry of the Inuit people will be brought to life. Hosted with immense pride and respect by the Indigenous Peoples Experience, this special, all-ages event is a vibrant and essential opportunity for families to connect with, learn about, and appreciate the rich, living heritage of Canada's northernmost peoples. An Authentically Curated Day of Cultural Immersion.

Our program has been thoughtfully curated in collaboration with Inuit community members to ensure an authentic and deeply engaging experience for everyone.

Event Details: Plan Your Visit

Don't miss this incredible chance to celebrate Family Day by embracing the warmth, wisdom, and profound cultural depth of the Inuit people. It's an event that promises discovery, appreciation, connection, and lasting memories for the whole family.

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  Location: Fort Edmonton Park, hosted by the Indigenous Peoples Experience, Fort Edmonton Park

  
  


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  Date: Monday, February 16, 2026

  
  

Time: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

There will be a concession of snacks and drinks available.

*Please note that this event takes place at the Indigenous Peoples Experience and at Clerk's Quarters near the 1846 Fort. Other buildings and services will not be operational during this event*

It is a day dedicated to hands-on learning, mesmerizing performances, and insightful teachings:

Qulliq Lighting and Tending Teachings (The Light of the Community) Performance Arbor: Witness the solemn and beautiful ceremonial lighting of the qulliq—the traditional Inuit oil lamp. This powerful symbol represents more than just light; it is the very hearth of the home, a source of warmth, a centre of community, and a testament to the ingenuity of the Inuit people. Knowledgeable presenters will share the ancient techniques used to tend to the wick and oil, explaining its essential role in survival and social life in the Arctic.

Captivating Throat Singing Performance ( Katajjaq ) Performance Arbor: Prepare to be mesmerized by a live demonstration of katajjaq, or Inuit throat singing. This unique and powerful vocal game, traditionally performed by women, involves two singers facing each other to create intricate, rhythmic, and sometimes humorous harmonies. Experience the raw, echoing sounds that beautifully reflect the northern landscape, the wind, the water, and the natural world, showcasing a deeply personal and cultural form of artistic expression.

Delightful Inuit Puppet Show (Storytelling for All Ages) MPR #3: Gather the children for a charming, educational, and engaging puppet show. Designed to entertain and captivate families, the show will weave traditional Inuit stories, ancient folklore, and valuable life lessons, providing a gentle yet powerful introduction to the values and worldview of the Inuit people.

Explore a Traditional Tupiq Tent (Ingenuity on the Land) Fort Courtyard: Step inside a tupiq, a traditional Inuit summer tent made of skin or canvas. This interactive exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into the nomadic life of the Inuit. Learn about the remarkable ingenuity and craftsmanship involved in its lightweight, yet sturdy construction, and understand its vital role as a shelter that facilitated movement across the land for hunting and gathering.

Engaging Show and Tell Presentation (Artifacts and Daily Life) Fort Courtyard: Participate in an interactive, tactile session featuring authentic Inuit tools, traditional clothing, hunting artifacts, and essential cultural items. Our knowledgeable Inuit and Indigenous presenters will not only share the stories and histories behind these objects but will also explain their practical significance and deep cultural meaning in daily life and survival in the Arctic.

Arctic Winter Games Activities Fort Courtyard: Get moving and learn how to play traditional arctic winter games. These games are not just for fun—they were designed to build strength, endurance, agility, and the mental fortitude required for survival. This hands-on workshop offers a fun and competitive way for families to connect with the physical culture of the North.

And Much More! The full day’s program also includes various  activities, such as Inuit cultural teachings  with cultural experts ensuring a rich, memorable, and profoundly educational Family Day for every member of the family.  Other outdoor activities include participating in a snowshoe scavenger hunt, and much more!

*Please note that the main gate to Fort Edmonton Park will not be open during this event. Entry is along the service road and parking is available beginning in Lot K.*