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National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025

Why We Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

To Honour Indigenous Peoples

We celebrate to recognize the strength, beauty and contributions of First Nation, Inuit, and Metis peoples, the original peoples of this land. Indigenous Nations have stewarded the land, developed sophisticated legal and governance systems and created rich cultural traditional for thousands of years.

June 21st is the summer solstice, a time for spiritual significant for many Indigeous Peoples. It is a season of growth, renewal, and ceremony, making it a powerful time to come together in community and reflection.

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To Acknowledge the Truth

This day is not just about celebration, it’s about truth-telling. Canada was build on the displacement, attempted erasure, and continues marginalization of Indigenous Peoples.

Nations Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to:

• Acknowledge the impacts of colonization, residential schools, the Indian Act and continued systemic injustices.
• Remember that their struggle for Justice and equality is ongoing.
• Learn about the history and struggle of Indigenous peoples while centering the voices of survivors and their families, land defenders, knowledge holders, etc.

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To Support Reconciliation & Indigenous Sovereignty

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day means committing to reconciliation, equality, and Indigenous-led resurgence. It is a call to:

• Honour Treaty Relationships, Inherit Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Sovereignty (not all Indigenous Nations signed Treaties, and no Indigenous Nation signed over their sovereignty over their lands).
• Support Land Back, Land Defenders and Indigenous Rights to self-determination.
• Amplify Indigenous voices in decision-making, education, health and justice systems.

Heating a drum by the fire during the annual Sunrise Ceremony to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day

Elder Kim Wheatley heats the drum by the fire during the annual Sunrise Ceremony to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Ontario on June 21, 2024. (Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Inherent Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Inherent rights are the rights that Indigenous Peoples have by virtue of their existence as distinct, self-determining Nations. These rights do not come from the Canadian state – they existed long before the formation of Canada and continue regardless of colonial recognition.

What are Inherent Rights?

Inherent rights are based on:

  • Indigenous laws and governance systems
  • Spiritual, cultural, and ancestral connections to the land
  • Collective rights to language, identity, and community life
  • Responsibilities to future generations

These rights are not granted by governments. They are pre-existing, grounded in natural law, Indigenous legal traditions, and international human rights instruments such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Why it Matters

Honouring inherent rights is essential for true reconciliation, justice and decolonization. These rights are not negotiable. They are a legal, ethical and relational responsibility that governments and settlers must uphold.

Indigenous Human Rights & Advocacy in Canada

The push for Indigenous rights in Canada is rooted in ongoing colonialism. From the imposition of the Indian Act (1876) to the residential school system, land dispossession and denial of basic rights, Indigenous Peoples have faced systemic efforts to erase their cultures laws and governance.

Image: People protest outside of Canada’s parliament in support of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s strike on January 11, 2013 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo by MICHEL COMTE/AFP via Getty Images)

Historical Timeline

  • 1974 – Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) Founded

    A national voice for Indigenous women and gender-diverse people, NWAC continues to fight for equity, safety, and recognition across all policy areas.

  • 1981 – Constitution Express Movement

    Hundreds of Indigenous leaders traveled across Canada and to the UK to demand constitutional recognition of Indigenous rights. Their efforts helped enshrine Section 35 in the 1982 Constitution Act.

  • 1990 – Kanehsatà:ke Resistance (Oka Crisis)

    Mohawk land defenders opposed the expansion of a golf course on sacred burial grounds. The 78-day standoff drew national attention to Indigenous land rights and became a catalyst for resistance movements.

  • 1997 – Delgamuukw v. British Columbia

    The Supreme Court of Canada affirmed that Aboriginal title is a collective, constitutionally protected right. The case established that oral histories are valid evidence, Aboriginal title includes rights to the land itself, and governments must consult and accommodate Indigenous Peoples.

  • 2007 – UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

    Adopted by the UN after decades of Indigenous advocacy. Canada initially opposed it but endorsed it in 2016 and passed implementation legislation in 2021.

  • 2012 – Idle No More Movement

    The Idle No More movement began in response to federal legislation, Bill C-445 that threatened Indigenous land and water rights. Founded by four women, the grassroots movement grew into a national and international call for Indigenous sovereignty, environmental protection and treaty rights.

  • 2015 – Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Final Report

    Following the work of residential school Survivors, the TRC issued 94 Calls to Action as a framework for truth, justice, and reconciliation.

  • 2019 – Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+

    Decades of advocacy led to a national inquiry that named the violence as genocide and released 231 Calls for Justice.

  • 2020 – Shut Down Canada

    Solidarity actions erupted across Canada in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary Chies opposing Coastal GasLink pipeline. Protesters organized rail blockades, port shutdowns and highway occupations demanding respect for Indigenous Rights, Sovereignty and the right to Free Prior and Informed Consent.

  • 2021 to Present – Land Back Movements and Solidarity Actions

    Indigenous land defenders assert jurisdiction and defend territories from Wet’suwet’en to 1492 Land Back Lane, catalyzing national and international support.

  • Global Advocacy and UN Engagement

    Indigenous leaders from Canada help shape international standards on climate, human rights, and Indigenous sovereignty in global forums.

What Can People Do in Solidarity?

1. Learn and Unlearn

  • Read books, watch films, and listen to podcasts by Indigenous creators (e.g., Braiding Sweetgrass, Yintah, Who We Are).
  • Learn about the treaties in your area and whose land you are on.
  • Understand the impacts of colonization, including residential schools, the Indian Act, and the Sixties Scoop.
  • Tip: Don’t ask Indigenous people to educate you, seek out resources that already exist.

2. Support Indigenous-Led Movements

  • Follow and amplify movements like Land Back, Idle No More, and MMIWG2S+ justice campaigns.
  • Donate to Indigenous-run organizations, legal defense funds, or grassroots efforts.
  • Attend rallies, solidarity walks, or teach-ins and show up consistently, not just when it’s trending.

3. Advocate for Policy Change

  • Call or write your elected officials to support:
  • Full implementation of UNDRIP
  • Action on TRC’s 94 Calls to Action
  • Justice for MMIWG2S+ (231 Calls for Justice)
  • Amnesty International Canada’s Human Rights Election Platform
  • Indigenous Organizations/Grassroots’ Government Calls to Actions
  • Challenge anti-Indigenous racism in institutions, policies, and workplaces.

4. Invest in Indigenous Economies

  • Buy from Indigenous artists, authors, makers, and businesses.
  • Support Indigenous food sovereignty, buy wild rice, fish, or traditional medicines from local harvesters.
  • Partner ethically with Indigenous contractors, consultants, or knowledge holders, and pay them fairly.

5. Respect Land, Language & Law

  • Learn Indigenous place names and languages.
  • Support Indigenous-led conservation efforts and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in land use.
  • Respect cultural protocols when attending ceremonies or community events.

6. Build Real Relationships

  • Don’t just “include” Indigenous Peoples, follow their leadership.
  • Center long-term relationships over tokenism.
  • Practice consent, humility, and reciprocity in allyship.

7. Reflect

  • Ask: What am I doing to uphold Indigenous rights in my daily life?

Where you can Celebrate

Sunrise Ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square

Toronto, ON
June 21, 2025 | ~5:30am
View Details »

Na-Me-Res Pow Wow & Arts Festival

Toronto, ON (Fort York)
June 20–21, 2025 with Grand Entry at Noon
View Details »

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

Ottawa, ON
June 21–22, 2025
Mādahòkì Farm, Wesley Clover Parks
View Details »

Citywide Pow Wow & Sunrise Ceremony

Thunder Bay, ON
June 21, 2025
Anemki Wajiw - Fort William First Nation, adjacent to Thunder Bay
View Details »

3rd Annual NIPD Block Party

Vancouver, BC
June 21, 2025 | 12 pm–6 pm
Carnegie Community Centre (Main & Hastings)
View Details »

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations

Victoria, BC
June 20, 2025
Royal Roads University
View Details »

CNFC Indigenous Peoples Festival

Edmonton, AB
June 21, 2025 | 12pm–6pm
Borden Park
View Details »

National Indigenous Peoples Day Pow Wow

Calgary, AB
June 21, 2025 | 10am–5pm
Heritage Park
Get Tickets »

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Saskatoon, SK
June 21, 2025 | 11am–2pm
Legacy Park, Fort Saskatchewan
View Details »

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Regina, SK
June 20, 2025 | 10am–1pm
Regina's Victoria Park
View Details »

NIPD Celebration at The Forks

Winnipeg, MB
June 21 | 11am–3pm
The Forks Market (Agowiidiwinan Centre)
View Details »

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Montreal, QC
June 21, 2025 | 1pm–8pm
Parc Arthur-Therrien in Verdun
View Details »

National Indigenous Peoples Day Cultural Expressions Festival

Fredericton, NB
June 20–21, 2025 | 11am–3pm
575 Queen St / Saunders St.
View Details »

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

St. John's, NL
June 21, 2025 | 6am–7am (Sunrise Ceremony) & 12pm–5pm (Celebrations)
Bannerman Park
View Details »

National Indigenous Peoples Day at Kwanlin Dun Cultural Society

Whitehorse, YT
June 21, 2025
1171 1st Ave
View Details »

Banner ImageTop: Dancers perform during Na-Me-Res traditional Pow Wow, community festival celebrating in anticipation of Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day, on June 15, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dress Day is held annually on May 5th as a day of remembrance and action in hour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. IT was inspired by Jamie Black’s REDress Project where empty red dresses symbolize the absence and loss of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples due to colonial violence. 

Yes, it is always observed every year on May 5th. It is intentionally timed to raise awareness during the spring season, a season symbolic for renewal. 

  • Wear Red to show solidarity and make the issue visual. 
  • Attend a Vigil or Event hosted by many communities across the country.
  • Display a Red Dress outside of your home, in your window or in public space (with permission).
  • Educate yourself about the MMIWG2S crisis and Share information with peers, family, colleague, and on social media.
  • Support Indigenous Organizations by donating or volunteering with Indigenous-led organizations working MMIWG2S issues. 
  • Advocate for Action for the implementation of the Calls to Action from the National Inquire into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2019) to government and your local MPs. 

Yes, it is appropriate and encouraged to wear a red dress, red clothing to show visible solidarity and acknowledgement of the crisis. Many Indigenous people wear red dress beaded earnings, pins, it is also appropriate for allies to wear these items if they are authentic, Indigenous made items. 

  • Wear Red to show solidarity and make the issue visual. 
  • Attend a Vigil or Event hosted by many communities across the country.
  • Display a Red Dress outside of your home, in your window or in public space (with permission).
  • Educate yourself about the MMIWG2S crisis and Share information with peers, family, colleague, and on social media.
  • Support Indigenous Organizations by donating or volunteering with Indigenous-led organizations working MMIWG2S issues. 
  • Advocate for Action for the implementation of the Calls to Action from the National Inquire into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2019) to government and your local MPs. 
  • The Colour Red in many Indigenous cultures are the only colour that the spirits can see.
  • Empty Dresses symbolize the loss, absence and lives cut short.
  • Calling for Justice for justice and demanding systematic change.
A red dress if you have one. If not, any red clothing. Many people wear red beaded jewelry (ensure made by an Indigenous artist) or pins as a sign of support. If attending a vigil or ceremony, it’s good to dress respectfully and follow specific community protocols if any. 
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