Connect with our Roots- Community Tree Planting event
About this Event
Event Overview
Join us at kihcihkaw askî Sacred Land to help care and restore this culturally and environmentally significant 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 building on restoration work that began 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. Join the 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 drumming, song and live cultural performances
- Visit community exhibitors
- Take home a wildflower to plant or share with a friend
Connect with Our Roots typically marks the beginning of National Indigenous History Month in June, a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse histories, cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Although this year’s original event was cancelled because of severe weather and rescheduled for July, it remains an opportunity to gather, learn, reflect and care for the land together.
Event Details
Thursday, July 16, 2026 5 to 8 p.m.
- Please register only if you plan to attend so we can plan appropriately.
- There is no public parking on site. See details below for available options.
- Planting is optional! 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 or share with a friend, while supplies last.
- Wear closed toe shoes if you plan to take part in planting activities.
Event Schedule (Times and performers are subject to change.)
5 p.m. Opening ceremony and proclamation
5:30 to 8 p.m. Open tree and shrub planting, exhibitor tents open, bannock and tea
5:45 p.m. Flute performance by Mark Taylor
6:15 p.m. Performance by Bobbi-Jo Starr (Kisikaw Iskwew), singer-songwriter
6:45 p.m. Métis fiddle performance by Brianna Lizotte
7:15 p.m. Performance by Jana Angulalik and Kristen Tologanak, Inuinnait culture, song and drumming
8 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.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
