National Aboriginal Day

Today is National Aboriginal Day, a relatively recent recognition which is not a day off for most Canadians. I suspect that the majority of Canadian residents will go about their business today with no idea that we are invited to recognize the first peoples of our wonderful country. And far too often we think in terms of the problems aboriginal peoples contend with, rather than the richness of their heritage and culture and contributions to Canadian society.  Here is a description of the day:

The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples: Indians (First Nations), Inuit and Métis. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
Many people have pushed for a national day to recognize and celebrate Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and cultures prior to 1996. For example, in 1982 the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for June 21 to be National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. In 1995 the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended for a National First Peoples Day to be designated. The Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples.
Canada’s governor general proclaimed the first National Aboriginal Day in 1996. In cooperation with Aboriginal organizations, the Canadian government chose June 21 for National Aboriginal Day because it was on or near the June solstice.  Many of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day for many generations. National Aboriginal Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the unique achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in fields as diverse as agriculture, the environment, business and the arts.

A number of denominations in Canada, including the United Church, have an ugly history with aboriginal peoples, notably the Residential Schools. In the past three decades we have endeavoured to change that relationship, to enter a conversation based on respect and reciprocity. Recently the United Church changed its crest to include the colours of the four directions and added the Mohawk phrase translated as "all my relations." I'm glad we have taken these symbolic steps and I hope that they reflect a new way of thinking and acting.

Do you know any First Nations people? Are you aware of the United Church history, and recent changes? Is it important to have an acknowledgement  such as National Aboriginal Day. Should it be a national holiday?