Communities mark Indigenous Peoples Day – National

OTTAWA – Events are being held across the country to mark the 30th National Indigenous Peoples Day on Sunday – a day meant to honor the culture, stories and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

The day coincides with the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – and has deep cultural significance for many indigenous groups. It is the culmination of Indigenous Peoples Month, which is celebrated every June.

National Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly National Aboriginal Day, was proclaimed in 1996 by Governor General Romeo LeBlanc after years of advocacy by indigenous groups.

Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden will mark the day at the Rhythms of Homeland event in Ottawa’s Minto Park. It is being billed as a celebration of Métis food, music and dance.

Premier Mark Carney is expected to be in Nanaimo, BC, on Sunday to visit an exhibit on Snuneymuxw culture at the Nanaimo Museum.

Governor General Louise Arbor will attend a ceremony hosted by Aboriginal Veterans to mark the 25th anniversary of the unveiling of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty will attend the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa, which features a powwow competition, culinary experiences and educational programs.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon will host a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration with traditional dancing, drumming and storytelling.

Ambleside Park in Vancouver will host an event with live music, canoeing activities and a traditional salmon dinner cooked over an open fire.

Forks in Winnipeg will host a variety of events, including the Wahkohtowin Powwow presented by the Southern Chiefs Organization. Other planned events include a craft and food market, live music and traditional storytelling.

A celebration of Mi’kmaw culture is being hosted at Bore Park in Moncton, NB

Elmastukwek Mawio’mi is hosting a sunrise ceremony and community gathering in Corner Brook, Nfld.

Yellowknives Dene First Nation is holding its annual fiesta of hand games, duck plucking and canoe racing at the Wiiliideh Site in the Northwest Territories.

We’koqma’q is hosting a community breakfast, medicine walk, community barbecue and fireworks display in their Nova Scotia community.

The City of Toronto will host a morning ceremony Sunday at Biidaasige Park.

POP Montreal is offering a free outdoor concert on Sunday with performances by Hello Crows, Linda Saddleback and the Manitou Singers.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 21, 2026.

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