National Aboriginal Day

June 21, 2017 all day

What is National Aboriginal Day?




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. National Aboriginal Day was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups.

  • also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day

How does the Government of Canada support National Aboriginal Day?


While all Government of Canada departments support National Aboriginal Day, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Canadian Heritage work together to promote it. INAC provides resources and ideas for events, while Canadian Heritage provides funding opportunities for community celebratory events.