National Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day!

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

Read more about National Indigenous Peoples Day

Wondering how you or your club can honour Indigenous Peoples in Canada?

• Attend an event by the local Indigenous community, bring an offering (like tobacco), and know the protocol to be respectful when attending an event like a powwow. Celebrating and amplifying Indigenous cultures is a way to contribute to its preservation.
• Educate yourself
  • Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
  • Read many of the amazing books written by Indigenous authors
• Donate to an Indigenous organization 
• • Indian Residential Survivors Society – The IRSS provides support services to Indian Residential School Survivors, students, and intergenerational survivors.
  • Raven Trust – Raven Trust provides access to legal services and justice for Indigenous causes.
  • True North Aid – True North Aid provides humanitarian assistance to Northern Communities.
  • More ideas for Canadian-registered Indigenous charities here.
• Engage in advocacy:
  • Join a march and the calls for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people on October 4th (Sisters in Spirit Day)
  • Work with your local government to honour local Indigenous history by increasing visibility of Indigenous culture and languages on city street names, at city council, in city arts and culture.
  • Write to your MP or MPP about issues affecting local Indigenous communities and demand the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes.
• Save the date: October 4th, 2023, Sisters in Spirit Day – CFUW’s Indigenous Issues Sub-Committee will be hosting a special webinar with Judge Marion Buller focused on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ (details to come). Think ahead to how your club can honour this day.