National Indigenous History Month
National Indigenous History Month is commemorated each June to recognize and honour the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada, and all of their contributions - past and present.
We encourage you to take time to honour and learn about the many languages, cultures and immeasurable contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Indigenous connections
Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that recognizes and honours the historic and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationships Indigenous peoples have with ancestral lands, waters and ice.
Commemorate together
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recommends the designation of subjects of national historic significance to the Government of Canada.
Áísínai'pi National Historic Site
© Matthias Süßen / Wikipedia commons / 2011
Áísínai'pi was designated a national historic site in 2004. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aísínai'pi "it is pictured, it is written" is one of the most important sacred places for the Niitsítapi (Blackfoot).
The Residential School System National Historic Event
Residential schools for Indigenous children existed in Canada from the 17th century until the late 1990s.
The system was imposed on Indigenous peoples as part of a broad set of assimilation efforts to destroy their rich cultures and identities and to suppress Indigenous histories.
The designation of the Residential School System as a national historic event was announced in September 2020.
Onondeyoh (Frederick Ogilvie Loft) National Historic Person (1861–1934)
© Canada Department of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / MIKAN 3629837
Onondeyoh (Frederick Ogilvie Loft) was designated a national historic person in 2019.
He was an important First Nations political leader and advocate for Indigenous rights in the period following the First World War.
Peter Pitseolak National Historic Person (1902-1973)
© Aggeok Pitseolak [1946-1947] / Canadian Museum of History, 2000-181
Peter Pitseolak was designated a national historic person in 1981.
Aware that Inuit culture was undergoing momentous change, Peter Pitseolak took care to record both the old customs and beliefs of his people and their adjustment to a new life.
Nominate a site, person, or event
Are you aware of a person, event or site that should be recognized by the Government of Canada for its national historic significance? Learn about the National Program of Historical Commemoration, or contact the Secretariat for the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada at clmhc-hsmbc@pc.gc.ca, or toll-free phone number: 1-855-283-8730.
Search through over 3,600 designations listed in the Directory of Federal Heritage Designations (DFHD)
The Directory of Federal Heritage Designations offers a complete list of federal designations stemming from various programs. It includes information on districts, buildings, events, railway stations, lighthouses and people who are of historic value or interest.
Additional resources
- National Indigenous History Month
- Learn more about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Calls to Action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- This Week in History
- Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
- Parks Canada Charter in Indigenous languages
Related links
- Indigenous connections
- This Week in History
- National historic designations
- Asian Heritage Month
- World heritage sites in Canada
- Historic anniversaries
- Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
- Canadian Register of Historic Places (CRHP)
- Archaeology
- Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office
- Directory of Federal Heritage Designations
- Heritage Gourmet
- Canadian Heritage Rivers System
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