by Jonah Ardiel
Published October 16, 2025
North of McKnight Community Hubs Celebrates Alberta Culture Days 2025
Each fall, Alberta Culture Days shines a spotlight on the incredible diversity, creativity, and community spirit that define our province. This year, the North of McKnight Community Hubs and its partner agencies once again came together at Genesis Centre to celebrate. With support from the Government of Alberta, programming spanned two days—full of cultural performances, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect.
A
Two-Day Celebration of Culture and Connection
The weekend kicked off on Friday, September 26 with Finding Common Ground in Multipurpose Room A. Agencies like the Arusha Centre (with its Repair Exchange and Calgary Dollars programs), and the North of McKnight Community Society shared their work. Over coffee, people swapped ideas, learned about local initiatives, and built connections to strengthen support for northeast Calgary residents.
Later that day, the Commons filled with Orange Shirt Day programming, including craft tables, an information booth, and a live drumming performance by Pearl. Families and youth took part in meaningful activities while reflecting on reconciliation and the stories behind Orange Shirt Day. Tied closely to National Truth and Reconciliation Day, this gathering created space for learning, remembrance, and action in the heart of our community.
On
Saturday, September 27, the signature cultural showcase took centre stage. The
afternoon opened with traditional Indigenous drumming and dancing, followed by
vibrant performances from the Ghanaian Royal Cultural Society of Calgary, the
Royal Women’s Cultural Association, the Hindu Temple Society/ISKCON, and a
high-energy finale by Young Bhangra. DJ Shak kept the atmosphere lively between
sets, while exhibitor tables offered crafts, resources, and interactive
learning. A temporary tattoo station—designed with cultural icons—was
especially popular with kids and families.
Earth
Looms: Weaving a Lasting Legacy
A
highlight of the weekend was the Earth Looms project. Set up in a busy
corner of the Commons, the loom invited residents to weave their own
contributions into a shared tapestry. Each thread symbolizes a story, culture,
or identity, creating a powerful visual of how northeast Calgary’s many voices
come together as one. The finished piece now lives on in the Community Wing of
Genesis Centre, serving as an ongoing reminder of belonging, diversity, and community
pride.
Looking
Ahead
Alberta Culture Days continues to grow momentum in Calgary’s northeast, raising awareness of the arts while celebrating the strength of our multicultural community. This year’s events showed the power of collaboration—between agencies, performers, volunteers, and families—to celebrate identity, learn from each other, and spark new connections.
We’re grateful to the Government of Alberta for funding support, to all of the performers and partner agencies who made the weekend possible, and to the many residents who joined in the celebration.
We
can’t wait to welcome the community back for another vibrant Alberta Culture
Days in 2026.
by Jonah Ardiel
Published October 16, 2025
