The special day was created by the federal government in 1996 to “recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.”

Originally know as National Aboriginal Day, it was changed in 2017 to its current title. It is one of four days designated by the government specifically to celebrate Canada, the others being St. Jean Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and Canada Day (July 1).

Here is the prayer released by the CCCB:

Prayer for Tolerance, Forgiveness, Reconciliation 

O God, Creator and Father of all, 
with humility we your children acknowledge the relationship of all living things. 
For this we thank you, we praise you and we worship you. 
We call on you, Great Mystery, the Word made Flesh 
— our teacher, prophet and brother — 
to open our hearts to all our brothers and sisters, 
and with them to grow in the wisdom, honesty, courage 
and respectfulness shown in The Sacred Teachings. 
Give us the vision and honesty to recognize 
that the we are all brothers and sisters of one human family, 
created and sustained by the One Creator. 
As we deal with many challenges, may we never give way to fear and anger, 
which can be the source of division and threat amongst peoples. 
We look to how God always gives to us, 
as a remedy for sins of prejudice and intolerance. 
We see in God the Creator of all things, 
One who always provides and is generous 
— even given the abuses we have heaped on one another and on the Earth. 
We see in the Son, Jesus Christ 
— the innocent Victim who pours His life blood out from the Cross for all peoples. 
We see how the Holy Spirit is God’s gift, 
alive in our world today — 
inspiring vision and hope that we can have 
the same mind and heart of God! 
May Your Spirit bless the souls 
who died at the Kamloops residential school 
and all souls who died at residential schools. 
May this same Spirit also bring blessing and healing 
to all families and communities affected in any way by the schools. 
O Creator, show us the way to healing, 
forgiveness and reconciliation and a renewed fellowship. 

Amen