First proclaimed by the Governor General of Canada on June 13, 1996, June 21 of every year has become a day in the Canadian calendar that presents Aboriginal peoples with a great opportunity to express great pride for their rich diverse cultures with their families, neighbours, friends and visitors.

The original media release can be read here:
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ach/ev/nad/his/onr-eng.asp

Even before the Governor General of Canada proclaimed June 21 as National Aboriginal Day, there was a long-standing desire to set aside a national day to recognize and celebrate Aboriginal peoples and cultures.

Here is a brief history of the origins of National Aboriginal Day:

1982
National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) calls for the creation of June 21 as National Aboriginal Solidarity Day;

1995
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommends the designation of a National First Peoples Day; The Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Aboriginal and non-
Aboriginal people chaired by Elijah Harper, calls for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples;

1996
June 13 – Former Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, declares June 21 as National Aboriginal Day after consultations with various Aboriginal groups;

June 21 – National Aboriginal Day is first celebrated with events from coast to coast to coast.

2006
Canadians from all walks of life participated in the many events that took place from coast to coast to coast highlighting the 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day.