National Aboriginal Day
June 20, 2015

National Aboriginal Day is a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. 

National Aboriginal Day was first celebrated in 1996 when then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, proclaimed that this day would be celebrated annually on June 21.

June 21 was chosen as the national holiday for many reasons, including its cultural significance as the Summer solstice and because it’s a day for when many Aboriginal groups traditionally celebrate their heritage.

This year, National Aboriginal Day occurs just a couple of weeks after the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the release of its final report that culminates a six-year examination of the sad legacy of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools and lays bare the horrors of Canada’s aboriginal children for more than a century.

“There is an emerging and compelling desire to put the events of the past behind us so that we can work towards a stronger and healthier future. The truth telling and reconciliation process as part of an overall holistic and comprehensive response to the Indian Residential School legacy is a sincere indication and acknowledgement of the injustices and harms experienced by Aboriginal people and the need for continued healing. This is a profound commitment to establishing new relationships embedded in mutual recognition and respect that will forge a brighter future. The truth of our common experiences will help set our spirits free and pave the way to reconciliation.” 
(TRC mandate)

For more information on National Aboriginal Day, click on the links below:

National Aboriginal Day (Government of Canada)

National Aboriginal Day Live 

For more information on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, click on the links below:

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Truth and Reconciliation on Turtle Island (Unifor Council 4000 article - August 8, 2014)