National Indigenous Peoples Day

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?

In 1996 the Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day, now widely known as National Indigenous Peoples Day.  In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice as National Indigenous Peoples Day.  For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice being the longest day of the year. 

This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Indigenous peoples.

Although these three groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, traditional practices, teachings, and spiritual beliefs.