National Indigenous Day - June 21st
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.
A Celebration of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples in Canada
The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples: Indians (more commonly referred to as First Nations), Inuit and Métis. These are three distinct peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

More than 1.67 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, according to the 2016 Census. Aboriginal peoples are:
  • the fastest growing population in Canada – grew by 42.5% between 2006 and 2016
  • the youngest population in Canada – about 44% were under the age of 25 in 2016

There are more than 630 First Nation communities in Canada, which represent more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages.
Métis are one of three recognized Aboriginal peoples in Canada, along with First Nations and Inuit. According to the 2011 National Household Survey, 418,380 Canadians self-identified as Métis.
Inuit are the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. The word Inuit means "the people" in the Inuit language of Inuktut. The singular of Inuit is Inuk.

Let Us Not Forget
Before and After the Residential Experience
Mohawk Institute in Brantford
In 1883, Indian Affairs policy on First Nations education focused on residential schools as a primary vehicle for "civilization" and "assimilation". Through these schools, First Nations children were to be educated in the same manner and on the same subjects as Canadian children (reading, writing, arithmetic and English or French). At the same time, the schools would force children to abandon their traditional languages, dress, religion and lifestyle. To accomplish these goals, a vast network of 132 residential schools was established across Canada by the Catholic, United, Anglican and Presbyterian churches in partnership with the federal government. More than 150,000 Aboriginal children attended residential schools between 1857 and 1996.
Tom Longboat
A Canadian Olympian
Six Nations celebrates Solidarity Day. OHSWEKEN Six Nations kicks off the first day of summer with Solidarity Day. Solidarity Day, also known as National Indigenous Peoples Day, is about celebrating the unique culture, heritage and the achievements of Indigenous people across Canada.