June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 2, 2023

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

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 Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

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

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known 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 as the longest day of the year.

Explore the past and honour the truth

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by taking the first steps on your educational journey:

There is also the Reconciliation: A Starting Point app you can download on you smart device to learn about Indigenous Peoples in Canada, key historical events and reconciliation initiatives.

Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Commission to learn more about the tragic legacy of residential schools, the experiences of families and Survivors as well as the 94 Calls to action to start the healing process.

Read documents from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and educate yourself about the impacts that colonialism and racism still have today on the lives of Indigenous women and girls as well as on their families and communities.

History of National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Aboriginal Day (now National Indigenous Peoples Day) was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups:

in 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day
in 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples
also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day

On June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister issued a statement announcing the intention to rename this day National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Get Involved

Learn more about the Native Council of Nova Scotia, the work and how to connect with and support Indigenous organizations and businesses across Nova Scotia.
Download and share National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day images to show your support. Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #NIPD2023