Each June, Canadians are invited to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous people in Canada by taking part in National Aboriginal History Month events and festivities.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the first National Aboriginal Day in 1996. June 21 was chosen as National Aboriginal Day because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice – the first day of summer and longest day of the year, the rebirth of Mother Earth – and because many Aboriginal communities mark this day as a time to celebrate their heritage. Setting aside a day for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples is part of the wider recognition of their primary and founding place within the fabric of Canada and their on-going contributions as First Peoples.

In the Waterloo Region, we acknowledge that the land on which we gather today is the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral people.

This is a special day to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada.

On June 21, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an announcement to rename National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day.

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