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National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21

National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to honor and recognize the diverse cultures, heritage and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. it is a paid holiday in Yukon and Northwest Territories, Canada.

Table of Contents

  1. When is National Indigenous Peoples Day?
  2. The History of National Indigenous Peoples Day?
  3. What Do People Do on This Day?
  4. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis

When is National Indigenous Peoples Day?

National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated annually on June 21 in Canada. The date was chosen to align with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, which holds spiritual and cultural significance for many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

The following is the list of National Indigenous Peoples Day from 2020 to 2049.

HolidayDateWeekday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2020Sunday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2021Monday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2022Tuesday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2023Wednesday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2024Friday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2025Saturday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2026Sunday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2027Monday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2028Wednesday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2029Thursday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2030Friday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2031Saturday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2032Monday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2033Tuesday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2034Wednesday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2035Thursday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2036Saturday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2037Sunday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2038Monday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2039Tuesday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2040Thursday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2041Friday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2042Saturday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2043Sunday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2044Tuesday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2045Wednesday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2046Thursday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2047Friday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2048Sunday
National Indigenous Peoples DayJune 21, 2049Monday

The History of National Indigenous Peoples Day? 

The idea for a day to honor Indigenous peoples in Canada was first suggested in 1982 by the Assembly of First Nations. They called for the creation of a day to celebrate Indigenous contributions and cultures.

The summer solstice, June 21, holds spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous communities as a time of celebration, and connection to the land.

In 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended a special day to recognize Indigenous peoples' heritage and contributions.

The same year, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, also recommended the establishment of a national day of celebration.

On June 13, 1996, Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, on behalf of the Government of Canada, declared June 21 as National Aboriginal Day. The proclamation marked it as a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous peoples to the cultural fabric of Canada.

To align with contemporary language and inclusivity, the day was renamed National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017. The new name reflects the distinct identities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, people across Canada engage in activities and events to honor the heritage, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Indigenous communities host traditional powwows featuring drumming, singing and dancing. Ceremonies often include blessings, smudging and storytelling by Elders.

Open-air celebrations with music, dance, and cultural activities are popular in many cities and towns.

Elders and knowledge keepers share oral histories, legends, and traditions, offering insights into Indigenous worldviews.

Schools and educational institutions organize activities like book readings, art projects and discussions.

Many use the day to raise awareness about Indigenous issues, including treaty rights, land claims, and social justice. Many others will take time to reflect on Canada's history, the impact of colonization, and their role in reconciliation.

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis

Canada recognizes three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. These groups are recognized under the Constitution Act of 1982, which defines them as the original inhabitants of the land, each with unique cultures, languages and traditions.

First Nations:

First Nations refers to Indigenous peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. They were the original inhabitants of Canada before European settlers arrived and there are more than 630 First Nations communities in Canada, representing over 50 nations and speaking more than 50 languages.

Traditionally, First Nations occupied most of Canada's landmass, with distinct territories across the country. At the same time, cultures vary significantly based on geographic location, from the Pacific Northwest Coast peoples to the Plains peoples and the Eastern Woodlands nations.

Inuit:

The Inuit are Indigenous peoples who primarily inhabit the Arctic regions of Canada, including Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Northern Quebec and Labrador. "Inuit" means "the people" in Inuktitut, one of the Inuit languages.

The Inuit have adapted to some of the world's harshest climates, relying on hunting, fishing, and land-based knowledge. They are known for throat singing, Inuksuit (stone landmarks), kayak building, and traditional hunting methods.

The Inuit face unique challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, and historical policies.

Métis

The Métis are descendants of Indigenous peoples and European settlers, primarily French and Scottish fur traders who intermarried with Indigenous women during the fur trade era. They developed a unique culture, language and identity, distinct from both their Indigenous and European ancestors.

The traditional Métis homeland spans the Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta) and parts of Ontario, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

Métis culture includes traditions such as jigging (dance), fiddle music, and beadwork. The Métis played a significant role in Canadian history, notably through leaders like Louis Riel, who led the Red River Rebellion (1869 – 1870).

Details

Date:
June 21
Event Category: