Commemorating Indigenous Peoples

Roméo LeBlanc, Canada’s Governor General in 1996, declared National Aboriginal Day as a day for Canadians to observe and commemorate the Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples’ diversified traditions, distinct heritage, and remarkable contributions. Now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day, the three groups mentioned are officially identified as Indigenous Peoples under the Canadian Constitution. Alongside the many similarities, these groups have different languages, spiritual beliefs, and cultural customs.
© Philippe Widling/Getty Images