Ceremonies, name changes mark National Aboriginal Day

Wednesday isNational Aboriginal Day, and people in and around Ottawa found many ways to observe the occasion.

Among the events were summer solstice ceremonies at the Canadian Museum of History and Victoria Island.

Prime Minister JustinTrudeauannounced his government will strip the name Langevin from a Parliament Hill building that currently houses the offices of the prime minister and Privy Council.

Trudeau changes name of National Aboriginal Day

7 years ago

Duration 3:07

PM Justin Trudeau announces the change to National Indigenous Peoples Day, as well as a surprise change to the building that houses his office.

Hector Langevin was a father of Confederation who also advocated for the creation of residential schools as a way to assimilate First Nations children.

The prime minister made the announcementat 100 Wellington St., formerly home to the U.S.Embassy, where he also formally announced the building will become a space dedicated to Inuit, Mtis and First Nations people.

He also used the occasion to announce his government will rename National Aboriginal DaytoNational Indigenous Peoples Day, beginning in 2018.

Indigenous Leaders thankful for new space across from Parliament

7 years ago

Duration 4:35

Indigenous Leaders are happy with their new building across from Parliament Hill that has been given to Canada's indigenous people.

National Aboriginal Day celebrations in the National Capital

7 years ago

Duration 1:59

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde and Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Ann Bennett attend National Aboriginal Day celebrations near Parliament Hill.