Why National Indigenous Peoples Day Matters
I always knew I was Indigenous. Not because the government said so, but because my grandmother and my great grandmother did. Although I was never close with them, I remain profoundly grateful for the verbal history passed down through the women in my family. It’s thanks to them that we were able to trace our Indigenous roots and eventually gain recognition by the Canadian government.
That recognition was validating, but it was not the end goal. Reconnecting with a culture that had been nearly eradicated from our family was what really mattered. I am just one of many Indigenous People in Canada who was separated from their culture, and my pathway to reconnection has been my own journey. Attending local powwows, experiencing ceremonies, talking to Elders, trying traditional Indigenous foods, reading about Indigenous traditions and history, enjoying Indigenous tourism experiences and spending time in nature has helped me understand and appreciate my own Indigenous heritage. Those same kinds of experiences can help every Canadian gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the many Indigenous Peoples and cultures of Canada.
This is why National Indigenous Peoples Day matters. It’s a day to intentionally listen, learn and honour the voices that have too often been silenced. Whether you’re Indigenous or not, June 21 is a day to show up.
Acknowledging the Past
Long before June 21 became officially recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day, the date held great significance for Indigenous People around Canada. It’s the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and it was and still is a time that many Indigenous groups celebrate their cultures, languages and traditions.
Following years of advocacy by Indigenous leaders and communities, National Indigenous Peoples Day became officially recognized in 1996. Today, it is a countrywide celebration, but its meaning is much deeper than policy. It’s an opportunity to reflect, listen and celebrate rich and resilient Indigenous cultures.
Ways to Celebrate Respectfully
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to celebrate the cultural richness and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, and there are many meaningful ways to participate—whatever your cultural background. June 21 is a great day to learn about and connect with Indigenous communities near you. Many host public events like powwows, cultural performances or other community events. Supporting local Indigenous-owned businesses like shops and restaurants is another great way to celebrate and support Indigenous culture. Treat yourself to a delicious Indigenous meal or a handcrafted piece of jewelry or artwork made with care and tradition.
Another one of my favourite ways to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day is by spending time outside. Whether I’m hiking, paddling, cycling or even simply just enjoying nature, I always try to reflect on the deep relationship Indigenous People have always had with the land. It’s a powerful reminder of how special our world is and the importance we all share in taking care of it.
The Power of Place Names
In recent years, there have been initiatives to change some place names across Canada to their original Indigenous names. These initiatives recognize the important history of these places and serve as a sign of respect for the Indigenous groups who have lived there and still do. In British Columbia, several parks were renamed as of February 2025, including Maquinna Marine Park to Nism̓aakqin Park and Enderby Cliffs Park to Tplaqín/Enderby Cliffs Park.
In 2021, a prominent peak near Canmore, Alberta was renamed to its original Stoney Nakoda name, Anû Kathâ Îpa, meaning Bald Eagle Peak. There is a movement to restore the original Indigenous names of other mountains. Cascade Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle are well-known mountains in Banff National Park with colonial names that replaced the original Indigenous names. Of these, Tunnel Mountain has been one of the most controversial. In the 1880’s, Canadian Pacific Railway surveyors considered blasting a tunnel through the mountain and named it Tunnel Mountain. The tunnel was never built, but the name remained. In 2016, 15 First Nations signed a resolution calling for Natural Resources Canada’s Geographical Names Board of Canada to rename Tunnel Mountain to Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain, reflecting the original Indigenous name that speaks to the sacred nature of the mountain. Despite this, the name has still not been changed, and the mountain that does not have a tunnel in it is still officially called Tunnel Mountain.
I am still on a journey of reconnecting with my Indigenous culture and traditions. This will likely be a lifelong process. A day like National Indigenous Peoples Day is a powerful reminder to me and to all Canadians that Indigenous cultures will never be forgotten. The power of oral history and the resilience of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada have helped to preserve Indigenous cultures across Canada, so we can all celebrate and learn from them.
Whose Land Are You On?
In Canada, it’s a very common practice to share land acknowledgements in a variety of settings. You may be attending a meeting, presentation, a sightseeing tour or community event and the speaker will share a brief statement recognizing the Indigenous groups that have lived on and cared for the land since time immemorial.
Learning whose land you’re on is a way to show respect and deepen your connection to the land, especially when you’re exploring the outdoors. Local Indigenous tourism organizations and online resources like native-land.ca can help you identify whose land you are on.
