Toronto – Canadians are called to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples on National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21. On this day we celebrate the unique cultures and contributions made by Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island.

Today is also a day for non-Indigenous peoples in Canada to learn more about the role settlers have played in Canadian history.

Previously referred to as National Aboriginal Day – National Indigenous Peoples Day has been celebrated in Canada since 1996. June 21 in the calendar year marks the start of the summer solstice, an important season for many Indigenous peoples and communities who have commemorated this occasion with special ceremonies for millennia. Official recognition for this day is the result of the advocacy of many Indigenous nations and community members.

In July 2021, the federal government established a federal holiday on September 30 to provide time for Canadians to honour the survivors of the residential school system, their families and their communities, and to commemorate those who did not survive. As of June 2023, only the federal government and two provinces recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day at a statutory holiday: take action by writing to your provincial government demanding action on the promise of healing.

In addition, as a leading union in the country, UFCW Canada must continue to push employers to negotiate this new statutory holiday into all future collective bargaining processes. In doing so, we support Indigenous UFCW Canada members through our labour activism and in the process of collective bargaining.

Read UFCW Canada’s statement on Indigenous History Month.  To find out more about our work in support of Indigenous justice, click here.