Blog, News

National Aboriginal Day

21 June 2013

On the morning of June 21st, CUPE Local 79 President Tim Maguire joined Aboriginal groups and civic leaders at City Hall to mark National Aboriginal Day.

The sunrise ceremony, which took place at 5:36 am, also marks the summer solstice. Early rising Local 79 members are welcome to join in on the celebrations next year to experience the full light of the longest day of the year.

June 21st of every year has become a day in the Canadian calendar when First Nations, Métis and Inuit people gather to celebrate their rich diverse cultures with their families, neighbours, friends and visitors.  National Aboriginal Day was first proclaimed in 1996 by former Governor General of Canada, Roméo A. LeBlanc.

In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of June 21st as National Aboriginal Solidarity Day.  The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1995 recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day.

In December 1995, Elijah Harper hosted a Sacred Assembly in Hull, Quebec, at which a national day to recognize Aboriginal Peoples and their contribution to Canada was discussed.  Following consultations, Aboriginal groups and the federal government selected June 21st because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice (first day of summer and longest day of the year) and because many Aboriginal groups mark this day as a time to celebrate their heritage.