Celebrate National Aboriginal Day –  Thursday June 21
 

Over ten years ago, June 21 was declared to be National Aboriginal Day. It is a day to honour and celebrate Canada's Indians, Inuit and Métis. Collectively these groups make up the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.

June 21 was chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice, the first day of summer and longest day of the year. Many aboriginal groups mark the date as a time to celebrate their heritage.

As such, this is a time to celebrate the important contributions that aboriginal people have made to our country, including art, language, reverence for the land, Aboriginal epistemology and spirituality. It is also a time to reflect on our collective history. While many cities in Canada are less than a hundred years old, aboriginal people have lived on this land for more than a hundred centuries.  National Aboriginal Day is a great opportunity for non-Aboriginal people to learn more about Canada’s original inhabitants.

The day kicks off the beginning of the annual 11-day Celebrate Canada! festivities held from June 21 to July 1. The festivities also include St-Jean Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and Canada Day (July 1).

To find an aboriginal celebration in your area, go to: 

http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nad/2007/evts6-eng.asp