A group of prominent Canadians is calling on the government to include Native people in an official holiday.

The group wants Victoria Day to be renamed as Victoria and First Peoples Day. The holiday would be continue to be observed on the last Monday before May 25.

"For centuries, Canadians, the First Nations, the Inuit, and the Metis have had a close affinity with the British Monarchy. Partners in trade, allies in war, friends in peace, and often relatives through marriage and descent – it is from this ancient and honourable relationship that Canada was created," the group says on its website.

"The newly named holiday would be an opportunity to commemorate that venerable relationship, to celebrate unique Indigenous cultures, to revisit our shared history, and to provide an opportunity for all Canadians to participate in the diverse and extraordinary heritage of our country," the group says.

The group is collecting signatures for a petition that will be presented to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

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Petition looks to rename Victoria Day (CP 5/20)