National Aboriginal Day will take place on Wednesday June 21, 2017. Please join us at 5:30 am at City Hall for the City’s Annual Sunrise Ceremony. This year, Toronto’s First Peoples will be commemorated through the permanent raising of the flags belonging to the Indigenous groups both traditional and present today to this territory which include: The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory First Nation, the Huron-Wendat-Wendake First Nation, The Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Inuit.
National Aboriginal Day honours the history, culture and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. This year’s event includes the unveiling of five Indigenous flags in permanent locations on Nathan Phillips Square. The permanency of the flags commemorates Toronto’s location on Indigenous lands. The flags include: Mississaugas of the New Credit, Six Nations, Huron-Wendat, Métis, and Inuit.
About National Aboriginal Day
In 2009, June was declared National Aboriginal History Month, following the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons. This provides an opportunity to recognize not only the historic contributions of Aboriginal peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of present-day Aboriginal communities and their promise for the future. Every June, Canadians celebrate National Aboriginal History Month, which is an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. Canadians are also invited to celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21st each year.
2017 Events
Indigenous Arts Festival
June 21 to 25
Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York Blvd.
Free admission
Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow
June 24, Grand entry at noon,
Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York Blvd.
Free admission