National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. REAL District Elder in Residence, Betty McKenna talks about the connection we need with nature.

Watch the full interview below.

In 1996 June 21 of each year was declared as “National Aboriginal Day.”

In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood, now the Assembly of First Nations, called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day

In 1995, the Sacred Assembly called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples

In 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day

On June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister issued a statement announcing the intention to rename this day “National Indigenous Peoples Day.”

Today, National Indigenous Peoples Day is part of the Celebrate Canada program, which includes other cultural summer celebrations taking place across the country.

#NIHM2026 #NIPD2026