June 21

National Aboriginal Day

Let's honor and celebrate the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples on National Aboriginal Day.

Yearly Date

June 21

Observed in

Canada

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples on National Aboriginal Day on June 21! This day was first proclaimed in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, as a way to recognize and honour the contributions and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. It's a time to learn about traditional practices, customs, and languages that have been passed down for generations. So let's come together to celebrate and appreciate the diversity and resilience of our Indigenous communities!

National Aboriginal Day Timeline

1763

First Recognized Rights

The Royal Proclamation of 1763, issued by King George III, acknowledged the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada for the first time.

1867

Discriminatory Indian Act

The passing of the Indian Act in 1867 began a period of discrimination and monumental challenges for Indigenous peoples in Canada.

1960

Vote Received

Indigenous peoples in Canada gained the right to vote, marking a significant advancement towards equality.

1996

Inaugural National Aboriginal Day

The Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, declared June 21 as National Aboriginal Day, celebrating diverse indigenous cultures and achievements.

2008

Historic Apology

Then-Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, officially apologised to residential school survivors, acknowledging a traumatic and dark period in Indigenous history.

2019

Re-Naming of the Holiday

The Canadian government announced the official renaming of National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day.

How to Celebrate National Aboriginal Day

1 Attend a cultural event

Look for local events celebrating Aboriginal culture and attend one. This can be a great opportunity to learn about and appreciate the traditions, art, and music of Indigenous peoples.

2 Visit an Indigenous community

Take a trip to an Indigenous community and immerse yourself in their way of life. This can be a meaningful and educational experience that allows you to gain a deeper understanding of their culture.

3 Support Indigenous businesses

Show your support for Aboriginal communities by shopping at Indigenous-owned businesses. This can help promote economic growth and sustainability within these communities.

4 Learn about Indigenous history

Take some time to read about the history of Indigenous peoples in your country. Educating yourself on their struggles and triumphs can help foster understanding and respect.

5 Volunteer with an Indigenous organization

Find a local organization that supports Indigenous communities and offer your time as a volunteer. This can be a rewarding way to give back and make a positive impact on National Aboriginal Day.

Why National Aboriginal Day is Important

It recognizes and celebrates Indigenous cultures

National Aboriginal Day is a day to honor and celebrate the unique cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across Canada. It's an opportunity for non-Indigenous people to learn about these diverse communities and their rich histories.

It promotes reconciliation and understanding

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. National Aboriginal Day serves as a reminder to continue working towards understanding, healing, and building strong relationships between these communities.

It raises awareness about important issues facing Indigenous communities

National Aboriginal Day also shines a light on the challenges that Indigenous peoples continue to face, including systemic racism, discrimination, and ongoing struggles for land rights and self-governance. It's a call to action for all Canadians to educate themselves and support Indigenous rights and issues.