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On June 21, celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and M\u00e9tis!<\/span><\/p>\n June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations<\/span><\/a>, Inuit<\/a><\/span> and M\u00e9tis<\/span><\/a> peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.<\/p>\n Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.<\/p>\n In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities<\/span><\/a> have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.<\/p>\n National Aboriginal Day was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Rom\u00e9o LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day<\/a><\/span>. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n