.svg)
Get ready to celebrate the vibrant cultures and traditions of Canada's Indigenous peoples on June 21, also known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day has been recognized since 1996, when it was first announced by then-Governor General Roméo LeBlanc. It is a time to honor and learn about the rich history and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. From traditional ceremonies to modern celebrations, there are endless ways to embrace this special day and show your support for these diverse communities. So mark your calendars and get ready to join in on the festivities!
<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'>Indigenous Day Announcement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Governor General Roméo LeBlanc announces June 21 as National Aboriginal Day, now referred to as National Indigenous Peoples Day.</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'>First Official Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Canada recognizes and celebrates the day for the first time, highlighting traditional Indigenous cultures and traditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nationwide Participation</div><div class='timeline-text'>By this year all provinces and territories are participating in National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Joining International Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Canada aligns National Indigenous Peoples Day with the international celebrations of World Indigenous Peoples' Day on June 21.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Official Renaming</div><div class='timeline-text'>Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces the renaming from National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated with traditional ceremonies, music, dance, and more, honouring the diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples across Canada.</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 traditional powwow</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Experience the rich culture and traditions of Indigenous peoples by attending a powwow. You'll get to see traditional dances, hear live music, and try delicious Indigenous foods.</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 cultural center</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to an Indigenous cultural center in your community or a nearby one. You'll learn about the history, art, and customs of Indigenous peoples in a hands-on and interactive setting.</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-owned businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by supporting and promoting Indigenous-owned businesses. This could be by purchasing products or services, or simply by spreading awareness about these businesses on social media.</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 traditional crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a workshop or class to learn about traditional Indigenous crafts such as beading, weaving, or carving. You'll not only gain new skills, but also gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of these crafts.</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'>Participate in a land-based activity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Connect with nature and Indigenous traditions by participating in a land-based activity such as a guided hike, canoe trip, or berry picking excursion. This is a great way to honor and learn from the land, which is an integral part of Indigenous culture.</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'>Honoring and celebrating Indigenous cultures</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Indigenous Peoples Day is an important opportunity for Canadians to recognize and celebrate the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures across the country. It's a chance to learn about and appreciate the unique traditions, languages, and histories of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.</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'>Acknowledging the importance of reconciliation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Indigenous Peoples Day serves as a reminder that Canada still has a long way to go in terms of reconciliation with its Indigenous peoples. It's a day to reflect on past injustices and work towards building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities based on mutual respect and understanding.</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'>Empowering and amplifying Indigenous voices</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Indigenous Peoples Day provides a platform for Indigenous individuals to share their stories, traditions, and perspectives. It's a chance for their voices to be heard and valued, helping to promote greater understanding and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities in Canada.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Indigenous Peoples Day coincides with the summer solstice</h3><p class='facts-content'>Celebrate on June 21st, the day was intentionally chosen to align with the summer solstice, a day that holds cultural significance in many indigenous cultures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It's celebrated across the country but is not a statutory holiday in all provinces and territories</h3><p class='facts-content'>While events and ceremonies are held nationwide on National Indigenous Peoples Day, the holiday is not officially recognized in all Canadian provinces and territories.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Indigenous Peoples Day was previously called National Aboriginal Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>The name was changed in 2017 to more accurately reflect the distinct and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The three groups celebrated on National Indigenous Peoples Day are distinct in their cultures</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each of the three groups - First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples - have their own unique languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Indigenous Peoples Day offers a platform for indigenous issues</h3><p class='facts-content'>This day raises awareness of the challenges faced by indigenous communities, including social and economic issues, land rights and the importance of preserving indigenous languages.</p></div></div>
Canada's National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on June 21 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Friday.
2023
Jun 21
Wednesday
2024
Jun 21
Friday
2025
Jun 21
Saturday
2026
Jun 21
Sunday
2027
Jun 21
Monday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
