The Indigenous artist market collective powwow showcase at KDays on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. This event, features traditional dance and song performances on the CKUA Stage. Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia

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This year’s KDays offers a new spin on local entertainment.

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In partnership with Indigenous Tourism Alberta, KDays has placed Indigenous vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs throughout the fairgrounds. In the past, people in these categories haven’t been represented in this capacity nearly as much as they are this year.

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Chelsey Quirk, chief executive for Indigenous Tourism Alberta, said this is yet another positive step in the journey of reconciliation.

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“Part of the reconciliation journey is really taking feedback from the public and from the Indigenous community on how things can look different or look better,” she said. “They wanted more visibility — they wanted to have it spread out throughout the park.”

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This year, CKUA has Indigenous artist Aysanabee headlining the stage on Wednesday. Indigenous vendors also have their own market. Quirk said the specific representation is something their organization is very proud of.

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“You’ve got food, you’ve got music, you’ve got vendors and artisans, and they’re all at different places around the festival, making it a lot more integrated.”

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Quirk and Indigenous Tourism Alberta have goals that expand representation not just outside of the province, but outside the country. They want to support Indigenous communities, businesses, and artists so that they can show their culture to international audiences.

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“We know that people, whether they’re Albertans or Canadians or international guests, they’re hungry to learn about the true Canadian story, and that Canadian story is about Indigenous culture and Indigenous people,” she said.

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Festivalgoers are also encouraged to check out the Kiyanaw Indigenous Experience in Hall E at the Edmonton Expo Centre during this year’s KDays.

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“It’s not just one time during the day you’re going to see Indigenous entertainment. It’s spread out throughout the whole festival, which is really nice.”

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The Indigenous artist market collective powwow showcase on the CKUA Stage at KDays on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia

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