National Indigenous History Month

In June, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada. On June 21st, Canadians from all walks of life are invited to participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day events that will be taking place from coast to coast to coast.

National Indigenous History Month provides an opportunity to recognize not only the historic contributions of Indigenous peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of present-day Indigenous communities and their promise for the future.

Celebrating National Indigenous History Month in June is an important tribute to the heritage and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.

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.

What led to the creation of National Aboriginal Day?

National Aboriginal Day was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups:

  • 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, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples
  • also 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.

How does the Government of Canada support National Indigenous Peoples Day?

National Indigenous Peoples Day is part of the Celebrate Canada program, which also includes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and Canada Day (July 1).

The Government of Canada supports National Indigenous Peoples Day. It provides resources, reading list, ideas for events and funding opportunities for community celebratory events.

How does MCoS support National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day?

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan envisions a Saskatchewan where Multiculturalism is central to the cultural, social, economic, and political life of Saskatchewan. Our mission is committed to promoting, fostering, improving and developing multiculturalism in the cultural, social, economic, and political life of Saskatchewan while working to achieve equality of all residents.

Notably, we have a strategic objective to recognize the special contributions which First Nations and Métis people provide to our province and encourage cultural competency and intercultural connections. MCoS has developed programming such as BRIDGES and INVOLVE that bring Newcomers and Indigenous people together to build relationships and break down barriers. We recognize that we are all treaty people and we regularly engage in anti-racism education and reconciliation activities. We are proud and honoured to celebrate National Indigenous History Month each June and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 each year.

Truth and Reconciliation (TRC)

Reconciliation is an ongoing individual and collective process, and will require commitment from all those affected including First Nations, Inuit and Métis former Indian Residential School (IRS) students, their families, communities, religious entities, former school employees, government and the people of Canada. Reconciliation may occur between any of the above groups. We are all Treaty People and share in the process of reconciliation. We encourage you to commit to least one of the 94 TRC Calls to Action.

View TRC Calls to Action

Resources

Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan

This organization supports the 11 friendship centres across the province. The web site has contact info for local friendship centres.

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN)

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the Spirit and Intent of the Treaties as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of Treaties that were made with the First Nations more than a century ago.

First Nations University of Canada (FNUC)

The First Nations University of Canada provides an opportunity for students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values.

Government of Canada – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development/Indigenous Services

This web site contains a variety of content ranging from the history of how this month to links to numerous other organizations and resources pertaining to Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples. This web site also contains an events page.

Regina Aboriginal Professional Association (RAPA)

Once again this year RAPA is celebrating National Aboriginal History Month. Check their web site for events and dates.

Regina NAD Celebrations Inc.

This web site contains information specific National Aboriginal Day celebration information specific to Regina including a schedule of events.

Sâkêwêwak Artists Collective Inc.

The mandate of Sâkêwêwak is to ensure that Indigenous artists within the city of Regina and surrounding areas are consistently provided with the space and environment that allows them to develop their self-determined artistic practices through critical exchange with their peers and audiences.

Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SIIC)

This organization is a general resource for First Nations history and culture.

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452 Albert Street N.

Regina, SK. S4R 3C1

Open Monday to Friday

9:00am – 4:30pm

P: 306.721.6267
E: mc**@**os.ca

Land Acknowledgement

MCoS’ work and support reaches lands covered by Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 10 traditional lands of the Nehiyaw/Nehithaw/Nehinaw/Cree, Nahkawe/Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Dene peoples and Homeland of the Métis/Michif.