Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day

The world over, peoples have long celebrated June 21, the longest day of the year. Accordingly, in 1996 then Governor General Romeo LeBlanc proclaimed National Indigenous Peoples Day.

On June 21, and with Canada Day also approaching, Indspire⁽¹⁾ will present their annual awards to First Nations, Inuit and Métis achievers. Among this year’s recipients is Michelle O’Bonsawin, a judge on the Supreme Court of Canada. Previous laureates include Noah Carpenter. Born on the trapline, he attended school in Inuvik while staying at the Stringer Hall residence (IRS). Graduating from high school in 1963, before progressive education took hold, he became a renowned thoracic surgeon. Another laureate is Douglas Cardinal who also attended an IRS, in Alberta. He was the architect for Canada’s Museum of Civilization and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.