The Engaged Buddhist Practice Group shares some context on this important day in Canada.

National Indigenous Peoples Day (French: Journée Nationale des Peuples Autochtones; formerly National Aboriginal Day) honors the heritage, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. It is celebrated on June 21. This date was chosen as the statutory holiday for many reasons, including its cultural significance as the Summer solstice, and the fact that it is a day on which many Indigenous peoples and communities traditionally celebrate their heritage.

Multiple events are scheduled across Vancouver:

Grandview Park (East Vancouver): Enjoy an outdoor family celebration with an Indigenous market, vendors, and local performers.
Kitsilano Showboat: Experience traditional drum circles, smudging, and cultural storytelling by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.
Ambleside Park (West Vancouver): Gather near the Welcome Figure for live entertainment, arts, and local language sharing.
Carnegie Community Centre: Participate in the annual vibrant block party in the Downtown Eastside.

Reconciliation is of benefit to all. Please see HERE for a wonderful article underlining how a greater recognition of Indigenous Rights in Canada doesn’t mean fewer rights for Canadians; it means more stability, wealth, and prosperity for us all.

History - the day came about after a series of calls for such a celebration.

It was first self-declared Indian Day in 1945, by Jules Sioui and chiefs from across North America.
In 1974, Anishinaabe youth staged one of the first land-back occupations in Canadian history in Kenora, Ontario. Watch Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising on CBC Gem.
In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of a National Aboriginal Solidarity Day to be celebrated on 21 June.
In 1990, Quebec became the first province or territory to establish the day as a celebration of Indigenous culture.
In 1995, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, titled The Sacred Assembly, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples to Canada.
In 1996, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended that a National First Peoples Day be officially recognized after it was proclaimed that year by then Governor General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc, to be celebrated annually on 21 June.
In 2001, members of the 14th Legislative Assembly passed the National Aboriginal Day Act making the Northwest Territories the first jurisdiction in Canada to recognise this day as a formal statutory holiday. The Yukon followed in 2017
In 2009, the House of Commons declared June to be National Aboriginal History Month (now National Indigenous History Month).
On 21 June 2017, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement pledging to rename the event National Indigenous Peoples Day. The bill to make that change (C-369) was still being debated by parliament when the legislature was dissolved. The federal Crown has begun referring to the day as National Indigenous Peoples Day, regardless.
In recent years, the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network has broadcast an annual cultural gala, Indigenous Day Live, on National Indigenous Peoples Day.