National Aboriginal Day Timeline

1996

National Aboriginal Day Begins

Finally, National Aboriginal Day is formally recognized — paving the way for outsiders to more fully explore the land and culture.

1995

National First Peoples Day Recommended

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommends that a National First Peoples Day be initiated.

1982

A call for National Aboriginal Solidarity Day

The National Indian Brotherhood calls for June 21 to be recognized as National Aboriginal Solidarity Day.

1960

The right to vote

The Aboriginal people are finally granted the right to vote.

1876

Indian Act passed

This act takes away the rights of the Aboriginal people to self-govern, who instead must follow the rules of the federal government.