On the 21st of June of every year, Canadians observe the National Indigenous People’s Day –formerly known as National Aboriginal Day– which celebrates the autochthonous groups’ idiosyncratic heritage, culture, history, and achievements. It is a public holiday in some areas, and a normal working day in others. However, the celebrations span across the entire country.
The National Indigenous People’s Day is a great opportunity for people to discover and explore the contributions of the three native groups in Canada –the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis– in ameliorating and developing the country. Various activities and events are held to commemorate the unique culture and achievements of the indigenous groups, including fundraisers; traditional feasts; social gatherings accompanied with traditional and contemporary music, singing, and dancing; and the cutting of a cake to pay homage to the aboriginal people.