Indigenous Peoples Day 2023

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?

June 21, 2023, National Indigenous Peoples Day, is a day for Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and valued contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people. National Indigenous People’s Day is held on the summer solstice as an acknowledgment of the many generations of Indigenous people and communities who have celebrated their culture and heritage on or around the longest day of the year. Joining the celebrations is a wonderful way to learn more about Indigenous Peoples and cultures in your area. 

What led to the creation of National Indigenous Peoples Day?

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, the Prime Minister issued a statement announcing the intention to rename this day National Indigenous Peoples Day.

How can you participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day in Northern BC?

Check out some of these events: 

• Fort Nelson First Nation is hosting a full day event including drumming, crafts and a BBQ lunch, starting at 10am at the community Arbour. 
• National Indigenous Peoples Day at Tse'k'wa. Join them from 11am-1pm at Tse’k’wa National Historic Site to experience Dane-zaa drumming, a free bbq lunch, and access to the cave via the site’s new interpretive trail.
• Lheidli T’enneh will bring Prince George and the surrounding areas a three day celebration of music and culture. Both June 21 and 22 celebrations will be held at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. The third day, June 23, will move indoors at the Omineca Arts Centre as part of their Open Mic Series in conjunction with an Indigenous group art exhibition throughout the month of June.
• The Kermode Friendship Society is celebrating Indigenous culture at George Little Park in Terrace, hosting a National Indigenous Peoples Day event on June 24 in Terrace. 
• Prince Rupert will be hosting a day of celebration at the Civic Centre that will include traditional food, cultural dancers and family activities 

Other great ways to experience Indigenous Culture

• Listen to Indigenous Music, Podcasts
• Watch Indigenous Shows or Movies such as:  UNBC's Yun Hoonzoo Dacum Documnatry Series or HA NII TOKXW - How the Gianyow people protect their traditional lands and food table. Don't forget to check out In the Land of Dreamers! 
• Read books and media by Indigenous authors such as Where Happiness Dwells or Beyond Rights
• Use Indigenous Tourism BC and Destination Indigenous when you are planning travel in Canada to enjoy authentic Indigenous experiences. 

Northern BC Tourism Association works to cultivate and foster credible relations with the Indigenous communities throughout the Northern BC Tourism region and with our partners at Indigenous Tourism BC work to develop economic opportunities while respecting the guidelines set by Indigenous communities and seeking to understand more about historical and cultural differences.