June 21 – National Aboriginal Day

In 2009, National Aboriginal Day is marked in the context of a severe economic recession. While June 21 is an opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal achievements, the effects of the recession on Aboriginal communities must also be a focus of attention.

The call for a national day was initiated in 1982 by the National Indian Brotherhood, the precursor to the Assembly of First Nations. Among the reasons for choosing June 21 is the fact that it coincides with the summer solstice. June 21 was first recognized by the Province of Quebec in 1990 and subsequently by the federal government in 1996.

Wages earned by Aboriginal Peoples have always trailed those of other Canadians and rates of unemployment have been higher. These two trends have been accentuated by the current economic recession and add to the broader problem of poverty in Aboriginal communities. Addressing this poverty is critical and the Harper government should begin this process by honouring the commitments made in the Kelowna Accord.

The Day recognizes the contributions of the many diverse cultures that make up the First Nations, Inuit and Métis. To learn more about the contributions of Aboriginal Peoples, check out this guide and join the many viewers of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network for their Aboriginal Day Live ’09 coverage.