June 21 marks the 24th annual recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, which began in 1996. Previously called National Aboriginal Day, it is an official day to celebrate the culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Canada. June 21 was chosen because of its alignment with the summer solstice, which is a significant day to the many Indigenous Peoples and communities who have celebrated on this day for generations. The day was created with the support of various Indigenous groups, and passed by Governor General Romeo LeBlanc. In 2009, the House of Commons passed a motion to make the month of June National Aboriginal History Month.
This day can be commemorated in many different ways which celebrate the different talents, traditions and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. In past years, Indigenous communities have celebrated with powwows, potlatches, festivals or movie screenings by Indigenous filmmakers. It is a day to both honor the contributions and struggles of Indigenous peoples in a Canadian context, while recognizing the continued brilliance of Indigenous people in the face of colonization.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is important for all Canadians to observe. Non-Indigenous peoples can learn about the history, culture and perspectives of Indigenous communities in Canada, and remember the role settlers have played in Canada’s history.
Participate
Due to COVID-19, National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations have largely been canceled. However, there are several virtual events happening:
UBC’s Indigenous Education Office events
- Storytelling: Monday, June 15, 12-1:30pm
- Tea with Elders: Tuesday, June 16, 12-1:30pm
- Beading Circle: Wednesday, June 17, 12-1:30pm
- Baking, cooking, sharing: Thursday, June 18, 12-1:30pm
- Sharing: Song and creatives: Friday, June 19, 12-1:30pm
To register for one, or all of the events, please email the Office of Indigenous Education.
Vancouver Public Library’s A Gathering of Indigenous Storytellers event: Thursday, June 18 at 3pm
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Virtual events: Sunday, June 21.
Summer Solstice Concert 2020. APTN TV: Sunday, June 21 beginning at 3 p.m. Pacific.
Watch
Read
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Calls to Action.
- Indigenous Corporate Training. (2020). 11 ways to virtually celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
Listen
- Unreserved with Rosanna Deerchild. (June 2, 2019). 50 Years of Indigenous cinema: The Impact of Alanis Obomsawin.
- All my relations. (February 2019). Ep #1: All My Relations & Indigenous Feminism.
Explore land and community connections
- Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. (2020).Where Rivers, Mountains and People Meet.
- Musqueam First Nation. (2012). Musqueam Through Time.
- Indigenous Tourism BC. (2010). Xá:ytem Historical Site.
- University of British Columbia Student Housing. (2019). Names at Totem Park.
- First Peoples’ Cultural Council. (2020). First Peoples’ Map of BC.
Act
Fraser, C. and Komarnisky, S. (2017). 150 acts of reconciliation. Active History.
First Nations Caring Society. (2019). Fun ways to learn.
Ronnie Dean Harris. (2020). Colouring (downloadable PDFs).
Support Indigenous-owned businesses
- Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival virtual edition. Marketplace.
- Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro.
- Eighth Generation.
- OXDX Clothing Company.
- Quw’utsun’ Made.
- Birch Bark Coffee Company.