Connect with our Roots- Community Tree Planting event

Event Overview

Join us at kihcihkaw askî, Sacred Land, and be part of restoring this important site. Help plant trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers native to the surrounding land, or come to experience cultural performances, food and community.

Root for Trees, in partnership with the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre and the City’s Indigenous Relations Office, is hosting this event as a continuation of work started in 2025. Participants will help care for the land by planting native species and removing invasive plants from areas planted last year.

kihcihkaw askî is a place of cultural and environmental significance. Cultural protocols have been followed to respect the sacredness of the plants being shared, transplanted and given away.

Everyone is welcome. No planting experience is needed and participation is optional. You can join activities or take part at your own pace.

During your visit, you can:

• Take part in guided planting activities
• Enjoy bannock and tea while supplies last
• Experience drum, song and live cultural performances
• Visit community exhibitors
• Take home a wildflower to plant at your home or share with a friend

Native Delights food truck will be on site with food available for purchase.

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the histories and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. This event offers an opportunity to learn, reflect and care for the land together.

Please note that due to the nature of this event, space is limited to 350 participants.

Event Details

Sunday, May 31, 2026 1 to 4 p.m.

• Please register only if you plan to attend. This helps us plan the event.
• Please note there is no public parking on site. See details below.
• Planting is not required. You are welcome to attend and enjoy the event. This event will take place rain or shine.
• This event includes a plant giveaway. You can take a wildflower to plant at your home or share with a friend.
• Wear closed toe shoes if you plan to plant.

Event Schedule(Times and performers are subject to change.)

1 p.m. Opening ceremony and proclamation

1:30 to 4 p.m. Open tree and shrub planting, exhibitor tents open, bannock and tea

1:45 p.m. Flute performance by Mark Taylor

2 p.m. Knowledge sharing with Elder Emil and Elder Wilson

2:15 p.m. Performance by Bobbi-Jo Starr (Kisikaw Iskwew), singer-songwriter

2:45 p.m. Métis fiddle performance by Brianna Lizotte

3 p.m. Knowledge sharing with Elder Emil and Elder Wilson

3:15 p.m. Performance by Jana Angulalik and Kristen Tologanak, Inuinnait culture, song and drumming

4 p.m. Event concludes

Reminders

• Dress for the weather and bring layers.
• Bring a blanket if you would like to sit during cultural performances.
• Please leave pets at home unless they are required service animals.
• Please bring your own water and snacks.
• Bannock and tea are provided while supplies last.

Weather

Root for Trees events take place rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, volunteer plantings may be shortened or cancelled for staff and public safety.

Conditions that may lead to cancellation include:

• Thunderstorms or lightning
• Temperatures of 34°C or higher, including humidex
• Wind, including gusts, over 45 km/h
• An Air Quality Health Index of 7 or higher

The City of Edmonton may modify or cancel the event in the case of severe weather and public safety. Please check for updates before attending.

Parking

There is no public parking at the kihcihkaw askî site. The limited parking lot is reserved for those with disabilities, staff and event performers.

If you have accessibility needs, please plan to be dropped off at the site entrance and have your driver park at one of the options below.

Parking options include:

• Street parking along 142 Street leading to the site
• Fort Edmonton Park parking lot

Please consider carpooling or taking transit.

Be part of caring for the land and growing something that will last. Everyone is welcome.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Root for Trees - City of Edmonton