Canada's National Aboriginal Day is held on June 21 each year to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in this country. 

Simon Fraser University is proud to honour Canada's Aboriginal peoples, and applauds the achievements of its Aboriginal students, faculty, staff and alumni. 

Universities have a huge responsibility to work with and on behalf of Aboriginal Peoples. As Nelson Mandela once observed: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  

It has a central role to play in enabling Aboriginal peoples to overcome longstanding obstacles and to exploit new opportunities. It has the power to transform lives and help students to reach their full potential. And it is essential to broadening public understanding of the history, culture and potential of Aboriginal communities.

As Canada’s ‘engaged university,’ SFU has a special obligation in this regard. That is why respect for Aboriginal peoples and cultures is identified as one of our Vision's underlying principles. 

Our commitment to Aboriginal peoples is also reflected in our program and research development, in our efforts to increase Aboriginal student representation and support, and in our strengthening connections with Aboriginal communities and organizations. 

National Aboriginal Day provides us an opportunity to reflect on our continuing commitments to Aboriginal peoples, to acknowledge those who have worked so hard to enable us to make progress in recent years, and to consider what further steps we should take in the years ahead.