For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21 or around that time of year because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
National Aboriginal Day, now National Indigenous Peoples 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, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement announcing the intention to rename this day National Indigenous Peoples Day.
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It’s a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial.
Manitoba is located on Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Territories and includes travel through communities who are signatories to Treaties 6 and 10. Manitoba is located on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk Nations, and is the Homeland of the Red River Métis. Northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce respects the spirit and intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remains committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration. Acknowledging these original caretakers is a reminder of our unique heritage, our important relationships, and our obligations to and shared responsibilities with Indigenous peoples.
Learn more about National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Find a National Indigenous Peoples Day event near you:
Wa-Say Healing Centre – The Forks, Winnipeg
- Grand Entry @ 12pm
- Closing Entry @ 5pm
- Live Concert From 5pm To 9pm
https://wa-say.com/event/indigenous-day-2024/
Circle for Reconciliation – Sergeant Tommy Prince Place, Winnipeg
- Sharing Circle
- Exhibition
- Information Tables
- Artisan Market
- Door Prizes
- Children’s Activities
- Clown
https://circlesforreconciliation.ca/2024-national-indigenous-peoples-day-celebration-on-june-21/
TOOT AASAAMB 2024 Presented by APTN and Festival du Voyagear – Jardin de la Maison des artistes, Winnipeg
Festival du Voyageur and APTN is inviting the community to enjoy a beautiful evening in the Sculpture Gardens on Provencher Boulevard.
This year, Festival du Voyageur, in partnership with Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba and Maison des artistes, will offer a vibrant celebration filled with storytellers, musicians, food, artistes and vendors! The evening aims to showcase the diversity of Francophone and Indigenous artists. The Maison des artistes will be featuring artist Jamie Black.
https://www.showclix.com/event/tootaasaamb2024
Riverbank Discovery Centre – Brandon
https://prairiemountainhealth.ca/national-indigenous-peoples-day-june-21-2024/
Manitoba Metis Federation – Selkirk Park, Selkirk
https://www.mmf.mb.ca/culture-heritage/national-indigenous-peoples-day
Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, University of Manitoba
- Sacred Fire and Pipe Ceremony – at Mashkiki Gitigaan – Medicine Garden
- Sacred Fire – 8:30 a.m. (near 745 Bannatyne Ave.)
- Pipe Ceremony – 9:30 a.m. (rain location Buhler Centre atrium, 715 McDermot Ave.)
- Opening Prayer and Remarks
- at Brodie Centre Atrium – 11:15 a.m. (727 McDermot Ave.)
- Celebration and Entertainment
- at Brodie Centre Atrium – 11:45 a.m. (727 McDermot Ave.)
- Feast at Brodie Centre Atrium
- 12:30 a.m. (727 McDermot Ave.)
https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/healthsciences/event/national-indigenous-peoples-day-celebration/
The Pas Friendship Centre
https://www.thepasfc.ca/event/nipd/
Watch from home: Join APTN in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. The iconic DJ Roger Laughingstick (aka Billy Merasty) will host the special day of programming. The lineup of shows includes an Acting Good Marathon and three special premiere programs: the Indspire Awards 2024, Best of Indigenous Day Live, and Le Grand Solstice. Throughout the day, APTN National News will provide exclusive coverage of community events.
Join us from the comfort of your home, whether you tune in on your TV or stream online. Don’t miss out on the magic of the longest day of the year, only on APTN.
https://www.aptntv.ca/nipd/
