Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21

Canada has been recognizing a National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 since 1996, and the country honored the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, 2021. The government there has apologized at various instances for the suppression and forced assimilation of Indigenous communities.

For generations, numerous Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage around June 21, marking the summer solstice as a significant time of year.

Each June 21, communities across the country gather to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with ceremonies, music, dance, and food, honoring the culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

These events showcase traditional practices and stories passed down through generations, providing a glimpse into life within Indigenous communities, explains Kailen Gingell, cultural director at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse. Unlike other memorials such as Red Dress Day and Orange Shirt Day, which recognize community losses, Indigenous Peoples Day focuses on celebrating joy and the positive aspects of Indigenous culture.

National Indigenous Peoples Day, originally called National Aboriginal Day, was established in 1990 to coincide with June 21, the summer solstice. It was officially declared by Governor General Roméo LeBlanc in 1996, following recommendations and endorsements from various Indigenous groups, including the National Indian Brotherhood and the Sacred Assembly chaired by Elijah Harper. On June 21, 2017, the day was renamed to National Indigenous Peoples Day to reflect a broader celebration of Indigenous cultures and contributions. It is part of Canada's Celebrate Canada program and is supported by the government through funding for community events and commemorations related to reconciliation efforts.

Indigenous Peoples Day events

In recent years, there has been a growing enthusiasm across Canada for celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day. Everyone is encouraged to attend local events and connect with Indigenous communities, highlighting the widespread availability of celebrations throughout the country.

One notable event is the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa, held throughout June as part of National Indigenous History Month. The festival culminates on June 21 with a diverse program featuring performances, traditional food, crafts, and a unique drone show. Elder and language keeper Barbara Nolan will share the creation story in both Anishinaabemowin and English, adding cultural depth to the festivities.

The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre hosts an annual celebration that draws thousands of visitors to experience and honor various Indigenous cultures from across Yukon and Canada. The event includes storytelling sessions, elders sharing wisdom, a lunchtime serving of stew and bannock, and musical performances throughout the day.

Indigenous Peoples Day is increasingly embraced across Canada, offering diverse opportunities to engage with Indigenous cultures through local events. These celebrations not only showcase traditional practices and performances but also foster understanding and appreciation of Indigenous heritage and contributions. For those unable to attend in person, televised broadcasts and various cultural activities provide alternative ways to participate and honor the occasion.

Is Indigenous Peoples Day a holiday in Canada?

Indigenous Peoples Day is recognized as a statutory holiday in Yukon and the Northwest Territories, but not throughout the rest of Canada. There is a growing call, led by advocates like Ms. Mather-Simard, to make June 21 a nationwide statutory holiday to promote reconciliation and encourage Canadians to engage more deeply with Indigenous cultures. She emphasizes the importance of learning about local Indigenous territories and cultures, suggesting tools like Native Land Digital for this purpose. Ms. Mather-Simard hopes that celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day will foster greater understanding and inspire action towards reconciliation.

For Métis people like Mr. Zlipko, Indigenous Peoples Day represents a significant opportunity to showcase their cultural pride and resilience. He reflects on the historical suppression of Métis identity, mentioning the execution of Louis Riel, but highlights a renewed sense of pride and visibility among the Métis community today. Mr. Zlipko sees Indigenous Peoples Day as a chance to celebrate and share Métis culture with broader society.

Mr. Gingell underscores the ongoing relevance of Indigenous Peoples in Canada today. He urges people to use June 21 as a time for personal reflection on their connections to Indigenous communities and the land. His perspective emphasizes that Indigenous cultures are vibrant and current, challenging the misconception that they are relics of the past.

Get Involved

Each year, a variety of events take place nationwide on June 21, highlighting the richness and diversity of cultural expressions and stories from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

You can find an event or activity near you using the list of events or the interactive map .

References: The Globe And Mail , Government of Canada