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Let's honor and celebrate the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples on National Aboriginal Day.
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!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1763</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Recognized Rights</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Royal Proclamation of 1763, issued by King George III, acknowledged the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada for the first time.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1867</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discriminatory Indian Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The passing of the Indian Act in 1867 began a period of discrimination and monumental challenges for Indigenous peoples in Canada.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Vote Received</div><div class='timeline-text'>Indigenous peoples in Canada gained the right to vote, marking a significant advancement towards equality.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inaugural National Aboriginal Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, declared June 21 as National Aboriginal Day, celebrating diverse indigenous cultures and achievements.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Historic Apology</div><div class='timeline-text'>Then-Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, officially apologised to residential school survivors, acknowledging a traumatic and dark period in Indigenous history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Re-Naming of the Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Canadian government announced the official renaming of National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an Indigenous community</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support Indigenous businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for Aboriginal communities by shopping at Indigenous-owned businesses. This can help promote economic growth and sustainability within these communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Indigenous history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with an Indigenous organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes and celebrates Indigenous cultures</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes reconciliation and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about important issues facing Indigenous communities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>
National Aboriginal Day is celebrated on June 21 every year. In 2024 National Aboriginal Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Jun 21
Wednesday
2024
Jun 21
Friday
2025
Jun 21
Saturday
2026
Jun 21
Sunday
2027
Jun 21
Monday
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