June 21st is National Aboriginal Day

June 20, 2011  

June 21 was first proclaimed in 1996 as an annual occasion to recognize the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions to Canada of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Collectively these groups make up the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada.

The date was selected for several reasons, including the fact that it coincides with the summer solstice, the first day of summer and longest day of the year.

In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of a National Aboriginal Solidarity Day to be celebrated on June 21. In 1995, a similar recommendation was made by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. It called for a National First Peoples Day to be designated.

Also in 1995, a national conference of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, known as The Sacred Assembly, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal Peoples to Canada.

The first National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed by the Governor General in 1996.

June 21 is a day for us to learn more about the diverse Aboriginal cultures and about the issues that they face as Canada’s First Peoples.

June 21 is also an opportunity for OPSEU to express solidarity with Aboriginal peoples.  OPSEU encourages members in every region of the province and in every union local to celebrate National Aboriginal Day by participating in events with Aboriginal members of the union.