Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!

Summer solstice is a time of significance for many Indigenous nations and a time to celebrate their rich cultures and heritages.

In 1996, Governor General LeBlanc announced National Aboriginal Day, which came about after consultation and receiving statements of support from various Indigenous groups. This announcement declared that National Aboriginal Day would occur annually on June 21. In 2017, the prime minister announced the government’s intention to rename National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day.

While Indigenous peoples are recognized on this specific day, the entire month of June is also National Indigenous History Month—a time to recognize the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Each week is focused on a different theme of learning:

• June 1–6: Women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+
• June 5–11: Environment, traditional knowledge, and territory
• June 10–18: Children and youth
• June 19–25: Language, cultures, and arts
• June 26–30: Reconciliation.

To celebrate, honour, and uplift, we invite you to read, watch, listen, and experience other works created by the many excellent Indigenous peoples in our communities and beyond. To help you with your exploration and learning, the BCTF Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Office has carefully curated a list of fantastic Canadian Indigenous businesses, artists, and events to attend.