History of Indigenous Peoples Day & Summer Solstice

A Time to Celebrate and Reflect

Across the country, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to celebrate the strength, creativity, and brilliance of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

It’s no accident that this day falls on the Summer Solstice—a moment of powerful energy, renewal, and gathering. For many Indigenous peoples, the longest day of the year is a time to reconnect with community, with the land, and with the traditions that carry us forward.

Indigenous Peoples Day Fringe
Indigenous Peoples Day Sun Dancer
Indigenous Peoples Day Canadian Wildflowers

The Summer Solstice: A Sacred Time

For countless generations, the Summer Solstice has been a time of ceremony, gathering, and renewal. Many Indigenous Nations view the sun as a life-giving force, and the solstice is a moment to express gratitude for its warmth, energy, and power to sustain life. It’s also a time to acknowledge the interconnectedness of all living beings and our shared relationship with the land and sky. Solstice gatherings often involve ceremonial dances, feasts, storytelling, and offerings. These traditions serve not only as acts of celebration but also as pathways for passing down knowledge, reconnecting with ancestral teachings, and nurturing community bonds.
Indigenous Peoples Day Mushroom
Indigenous Peoples Day Strawberries
Indigenous Peoples Day Drummer
Indigenous Peoples Day Drum Circle

A Day of Celebration and Reflection

While National Indigenous Peoples Day was officially recognized in 1996, the call for a day of recognition goes back much further, led by Indigenous leaders and communities. The name was updated in 2017 to better reflect the diversity of Indigenous identities across the country. This day is an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate Indigenous excellence—in art, language, governance, land stewardship, and more—while also acknowledging the past and committing to reconciliation.
Indigenous Peoples Day Totem Pole
Indigenous Peoples Day Tipi
Indigenous Peoples Day Ribbon Skirt

Moving Forward Together

Whether you attend a powwow, explore local Indigenous art, listen to stories shared by Knowledge Keepers, or simply take time to learn, June 21 is a time to honour Indigenous presence and strength—in the past, present, and future. As the sun reaches its highest point, we invite you to pause, reflect, and celebrate the enduring brilliance of Indigenous cultures.
Indigenous Peoples Day Fringe
Indigenous Peoples Day Sun Dancer
Indigenous Peoples Day Canadian Wildflowers

The Summer Solstice: A Sacred Time

For countless generations, the Summer Solstice has been a time of ceremony, gathering, and renewal. Many Indigenous Nations view the sun as a life-giving force, and the solstice is a moment to express gratitude for its warmth, energy, and power to sustain life. It’s also a time to acknowledge the interconnectedness of all living beings and our shared relationship with the land and sky. Solstice gatherings often involve ceremonial dances, feasts, storytelling, and offerings. These traditions serve not only as acts of celebration but also as pathways for passing down knowledge, reconnecting with ancestral teachings, and nurturing community bonds.
Indigenous Peoples Day Mushroom
Indigenous Peoples Day Strawberries
Indigenous Peoples Day Drummer
Indigenous Peoples Day Drum Circle

A Day of Celebration and Reflection

While National Indigenous Peoples Day was officially recognized in 1996, the call for a day of recognition goes back much further, led by Indigenous leaders and communities. The name was updated in 2017 to better reflect the diversity of Indigenous identities across the country. This day is an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate Indigenous excellence—in art, language, governance, land stewardship, and more—while also acknowledging the past and committing to reconciliation.
Indigenous Peoples Day Totem Pole
Indigenous Peoples Day Tipi
Indigenous Peoples Day Ribbon Skirt

Moving Forward Together

Whether you attend a powwow, explore local Indigenous art, listen to stories shared by Knowledge Keepers, or simply take time to learn, June 21 is a time to honour Indigenous presence and strength—in the past, present, and future. As the sun reaches its highest point, we invite you to pause, reflect, and celebrate the enduring brilliance of Indigenous cultures.

Team Picks: Indigenous Voices We Love

Our team has gathered a few personal favourites—people, podcasts, and books that have helped us learn, unlearn, and connect more deeply with Indigenous knowledge, voices, and stories.

Tracy recommends:

Dr. Niigaan Sinclair

A powerful speaker, writer, and educator based in Manitoba. His insights on Indigenous rights, education, and reconciliation are essential and deeply resonant.

Follow on Instagram

Nikki recommends:

James Vukelich

James shares teachings rooted in the Ojibwe language, focusing on ancestral knowledge and daily reflection. A beautiful source of inspiration and learning.

Visit JamesVukelich.com

Carolyn recommends:

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

"I really loved Braiding Sweetgrass. It was a mix of history, Indigenous knowledge mixed with the lens of scientific research. Beautifully written."

Shop Robin's Collection

Sam recommends:

Ancestral Science

Ancestral Science is all about learning from the land, stories, and relationships—where knowledge is shared through experience, not just textbooks.

Learn More

Kaitlin recommends:

Matriarch Movement by Shayla Oulette Stonechild

A podcast amplifying the voices of Indigenous women, femmes, and non-binary folks, with a focus on wellness, identity, and empowerment.

Learn More

Lyndsay recommends:

Ologies by Alie Ward

This science-meets-curiosity podcast regularly features Indigenous guests exploring topics like fire ecology, traditional fashion, and land-based knowledge.

Visit AlieWard.com