TDSB: June is National Aboriginal History Month

During the month of June, people across the country mark National Aboriginal History Month in recognition of the rights, histories and extraordinary achievements of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The unique cultures and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are celebrated nationally and locally.

June 21 is National Aboriginal Day. It is held around the time of the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – and is of spiritual significance for many Indigenous peoples. In schools across the Toronto District School Board, we honour this day through building knowledge about the histories and current contexts of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Learn more about this poster can be used as a learning tool for National Aboriginal Day.

A growing number of Indigenous students and families are joining us at the TDSB. Through the Aboriginal Education Centre, we are dedicated to developing programs that meet the needs of Indigenous students and families and that enable all students and staff to learn from Indigenous perspectives.

On National Aboriginal Day, we also mark a number of important events that occurred in recent years. To provide a few examples, these include:

• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, the result of a six-year investigation into the history of the Indian Residential Schools System, set a course for reconciliation and included recommendations around curriculum change in Ontario.
• Canada signed on to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• In a landmark decision, on April 14, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in Daniels v Canada, which ruled that Métis and non-status Indians are covered by Section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1897, meaning that they fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Read the Supreme Court Decision.

There is much to learn and to celebrate. We hope you’ll join us!

The History of National Aboriginal Day

• The National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day in 1982.
• In 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day and the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples.
• National Aboriginal Day was created in 1996 by then-Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, in consultation with many Aboriginal groups and peoples.

For a full listing of National Aboriginal Day events taking place in Toronto and across Canada, visit the  and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada websites.

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