National Indigenous Peoples Day is an official celebration recognizing and honoring the heritage, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada. This significant day coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Quick Facts
When is it?: June 21st annually
Tagged as: Cultural celebration and recognition
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay
When was it founded?: 1996
Who founded it?: Governor General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc
History
The journey began in 1982 when the National Indian Brotherhood (now Assembly of First Nations) called for a National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. Quebec led the way in 1990 by establishing June 21st as a day to celebrate Indigenous culture. The official recognition came in 1996 when it was proclaimed as National Aboriginal Day, later renamed to National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017.
Timeline
- 1982: Initial call for National Aboriginal Solidarity Day
- 1990: Quebec becomes first province to celebrate
- 1995: Sacred Assembly calls for national recognition
- 1996: Official proclamation as National Aboriginal Day
- 2001: Northwest Territories makes it a statutory holiday
- 2017: Renamed to National Indigenous Peoples Day
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June | 21 | Saturday |
| 2026 | June | 21 | Sunday |
| 2027 | June | 21 | Monday |
| 2028 | June | 21 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | June | 21 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
Communities across Canada celebrate with cultural performances, traditional ceremonies, art displays, and educational events. The day features Indigenous music, dance, storytelling, and traditional food, allowing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to participate in cultural learning and celebration.
Fun Facts About the Day
- It’s part of the Celebrate Canada program alongside Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, and Canada Day
- The date aligns with the summer solstice, which holds spiritual significance for many Indigenous peoples
- It’s a statutory holiday in Northwest Territories and Yukon
Quiz
- When is National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated?
- What was the day originally called?
- Which territories recognize it as a statutory holiday?
-(Answers: June 21; National Aboriginal Day; Northwest Territories and Yukon)
FAQs
- Is it a national statutory holiday? No, except in NWT and Yukon
- Why June 21st? It coincides with the summer solstice
- Who can participate? Everyone is encouraged to participate and learn
Related Days
- National Indigenous History Month (June)
- Orange Shirt Day (September 30)
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)
- International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (August 9)