National Indigenous History Month 2021

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National Indigenous History Month 2021

In June, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities.

National Indigenous History Month is a time for learning about, appreciating and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made in shaping Canada.

Learn more with the resources and information below.

(Source: Government of Canada)

Come celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

On June 21, you and all your friends are invited to a very special celebration! That date, the first day of summer, has been chosen as National Indigenous Peoples Day!

In 1996, the Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, proclaimed it National Aboriginal Day! It's an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the cultural richness and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. In 2017, the Prime Minister announced the day would be renamed National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Why June 21? For centuries, many of the first inhabitants would celebrate the arrival of the warm weather and the pleasures of the summer solstice. The summer solstice is the day of the year with the longest light. It is a day with spiritual significance for many people and is a good time to celebrate Indigenous peoples and cultures.

Activities for National Indigenous Peoples Day are organized across Canada every year. You can take part by getting in touch with an Indigenous community or a local Indigenous organization, or by organizing your own activities with your relatives and friends. For more information about the day's activities, you can visit Canada.ca/national-indigenouspeoples-day.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is for all Canadians, so share in the celebration.

Come Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day!