National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time for all Canadians – Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomers – to reflect on and learn about the history, cultures, contributions and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The month is dedicated to honouring the stories and achievements of Indigenous Peoples.
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
Learn more about the history and importance of the Day and how you can participate.
History of National Indigenous History Month
- 1982: The National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for a National Aboriginal Solidarity Day on June 21
- 1990: Quebec recognized June 21 as a day to celebrate Aboriginal culture
- 1995: The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended a day be designated as National First Peoples Day
- 1996: Governor General Romeo LeBlanc proclaimed June 21 as National Aboriginal Day
- 2008: Prime Minister Harper apologized for the Indian Residential Schools system
- 2009: Canada’s House of Commons declared June as National Aboriginal History Month
- 2017: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the name change to National Indigenous History Month
The House of Commons designated June as National Aboriginal History Month in 2009, changing the name to National Indigenous History Month in 2017. The shift from “Aboriginal” to “Indigenous” reflects a preference for more inclusive terminology among Indigenous communities
Importance of National Indigenous History Month
National Indigenous History Month is vital due to the historical context of assimilation and segregation policies that physically removed Indigenous Peoples from their lands. These policies erased their cultural practices, languages and spiritualities.
Celebrating Indigenous history helps counteract this loss and fosters pride in cultural heritage, spirituality and resilience against oppressive policies. 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.
Key statistics
- An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced into residential schools from the late 1800s until 1997
Ways to Participate
- Discover stories, traditions and cultures by attending a show, watching a movie or listening to music from Indigenous artists
- Explore reports and resources to learn about Indigenous history from their perspectives
- Attend local events, art galleries and workshops celebrating Indigenous cultures
- Reflect on the histories and contributions of Indigenous Peoples throughout Canada