National Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month is recognized each June to honour and celebrate the diverse histories, cultures, traditions, languages, knowledge systems, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. The month also serves as an opportunity for education, reflection, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous histories, perspectives, and contemporary realities.

The House of Commons designated June as National Aboriginal History Month in 2009, and the name was updated to National Indigenous History Month in 2017. National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day, was proclaimed in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of each year as National Aboriginal Day. June 21 was selected in recognition of the summer solstice, which holds cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous communities.

National Indigenous History Month also encourages learning about the lasting impacts of colonial policies and legislation in Canada, including the Indian Act, the residential school system, forced displacement from traditional territories, and other government policies that have disrupted Indigenous cultures, languages, governance systems, families, and ways of life. These systems contributed to generations of trauma and continue to impact Indigenous communities today through ongoing social, economic, health, and educational inequities.

The month serves as an opportunity to deepen understanding of the truths shared by Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families, and communities, while recognizing the strength, resilience, and ongoing revitalization of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. It also encourages reflection on important national initiatives and reports that continue to guide reconciliation efforts, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) and its 94 Calls to Action, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and its Calls for Justice, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which affirms the rights of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination, culture, language, identity, and traditional lands and resources.

National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity for all people in Canada to engage in meaningful learning, dialogue, and action toward reconciliation, while supporting Indigenous voices, perspectives, leadership, and community-driven initiatives.

Through education and continued dialogue, National Indigenous History Month supports ongoing efforts toward truth, reconciliation, respect, and relationship-building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

More information, resources, and upcoming First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC) initiatives and events will be shared throughout the month.