How many aboriginal Canadians are there in Canada?
Ten years have passed since the federal government declared June 21 to be National Aboriginal Day in order to honour and celebrate Canada’s Indians, Inuit and Métis. When Gov. Gen. Roméo LeBlanc signed the proclamation formally designating the day on June 13, 1996, he spoke about the important contributions that aboriginals have made in the country. “Many cities in Canada are less than a hundred years old. But aboriginal people have lived in this land for more than a hundred centuries,” said LeBlanc at Rideau Hall. “From coast to coast and in the Arctic, they first explored our lakes and rivers, they first mastered our forests and prairies, and they helped those who came later to join them.” June 21 was chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice, the first day of summer and longest day of the year. Many aboriginal groups mark the date as a time to celebrate their heritage. “On June 21st, this year and every year, Canada will honour the native peoples who first b
