2023 National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

National Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly National Aboriginal Day) was announced in 1996 through a proclamation by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc. The proclamation was signed after consultations with various Indigenous groups. June 21, the summer solstice, was selected due to its cultural significance for many Indigenous peoples and communities.

Indigenous peoples in Canada have faced historic oppression and systemic barriers that continue to hinder their access to high-quality, well-funded public services, including health care. Advocating for access to high-quality health care for all means recognizing, supporting and learning from the unique experiences of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis nurses in our union.

We encourage all our members to take the time to engage with Indigenous cultural celebrations, be willing to learn, as well as reflect on the issues faced by Indigenous communities and the intersection with your practice.

• CAMH - Powwow: Honouring Children and Youth (June 14, 2023)
• Na-Me-Res - Pow Wow & Indigenous Arts Festival (June 17-18, 2023)
• City of Toronto - National Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Ceremony (June 21, 2023)
• Native Canadian Centre of Toronto - Indigenous Day Celebration (June 21, 2023)
• Rio Tinto - Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (June 21-25, 2023)

2023 National Indigenous Peoples Day Poster (PDF)

2023 National Indigenous Peoples Day Poster - French (PDF)

• Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association
• Assembly of First Nations
• First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• National Film Board of Canada - Indigenous Cinema
• #IndigenousReads Reading List
• Ontario Federation of Labour - Anti-Racism Resource List
• Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat
• Ontario Human Rights Commission

In ONA’s Anti-Racism Member Advisory Team and ONA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Working Group launched a series of resources to continue to bring awareness to current issues impacting those who are Indigenous, Black, Racialized and members of historically marginalized communities.

Visit our Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression page for the latest news and resources, including our Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Action Plan.