National Aboriginal Day took on more significance this year, as native people celebrated and shared their culture on the summer solstice.

Across the country, as well as in Montreal, events took place that included traditional dance and song, as well as ceremonies. The day comes shortly after the release of the damning Truth and Reconciliation report.

“We're still here. We're not forgotten people. I think it's more about moving forward in a more positive light,” said Swaneige Bertrand at the ceremony in Montreal.

One tradition in the Mohawk culture at social gatherings is to open by thanking everything that sustains them.

For the summer solstice, the group lit a fire and burned tobacco all to summon the good spirits for the year to come.

This time, it's even more significant, given the recent Truth and Reconciliation report that highlighted a dark chapter in Canadian history, where 150,000 Aboriginal children were put into residential schools, where they were abused physically and sexually.

“Of course what happened has been tagged as ‘cultural genocide’ but now we are speaking about ‘cultural rebirth’” said Andre Dudemaine, director of Aboriginal group Land inSights.

Bertrand's father is a survivor of the residential schools. His experience hurt her as well, she said.

“I am just as much a part of the residential schools. I don't know how to heal my own personal wounds,” she said.

Now, groups say it's time to move on, but not to forget, stressing that there is a need to take action, educate and share traditions with members of the public, otherwise suffer even further.

“Is the government going to do anything about them or is the government going to take them and put them on a shelf again?” said Sedalia, of Keepers of the Eastern Door.

Canada's Governor General David Johnston issued a statement about the day, saying "Canada would not be what it is today without the contribution of Aboriginal peoples, to whom we proudly pay tribute on this day."

He also underscored how vital awareness is.

"Our actions must be consistent with our words so that we can continue moving forward and demonstrating our commitment to respect, tolerance and inclusiveness," he stated.