New Indigenous Youth Program launches in Brantford

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford, in partnership with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, is proud to announce the opening of a new Indigenous Youth Hub, created to support Indigenous youth ages 13 to 17. Located at Brantford Native Housing, 318 Colborne Street, the hub will also deliver additional outreach programming at various community partner locations throughout the city.

This new program offers a wholistic approach to supporting youth, focusing on the four fires—mind, body, spirit, and emotion. Through academic support, cultural and recreational activities, traditional teachings, and skill-building initiatives, the hub provides opportunities for growth.

"Indigenous youth in Brantford need spaces where they feel safe, supported, and connected to their culture," said Leigh Staats, Director of Operations at Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, "With the funding from Building Safer Communities, and the support of both our community partners and the City of Brantford we are creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop life skills, and strengthen their sense of identity."

This program responds to key issues identified in community consultations, which highlighted gaps in culturally relevant after-school programming, academic support, and opportunities to engage Indigenous youth. The program will operate after school and on occasional weekends, offering a range of services, including:

• Academic support and mentorship
• Cultural programming, including land-based learning
• Recreational activities and life skills development
• Safety education and awareness sessions on dedicated topics such as human trafficking awareness
• Art mural projects with Indigenous artists

“The City of Brantford is proud to support initiatives that empower Indigenous youth and foster safer, more inclusive communities,” said Amy Brandt, Community Initiatives Coordinator at the City of Brantford. “This program reflects our commitment to building an inclusive community by ensuring that all young people have access to supports that help them thrive.” 

Funding support for this program was made possible by Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund and will run until March 2026. For up-to-date information and details about dates, locations and program activities, visit Niwasa’s Facebook page or email youthmanager@niwasa.ca

Programs like the Indigenous Youth Hub play an important role in our community as youth are growing in population according to census data. Additionally, Youth and Truth and Reconciliation have both been identified as Priority Areas within the City of Brantford’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan.

Building Safer Communities Fund

Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund aims to prevent youth ages 6 to 25 from becoming involved in gun and gang violence through community-based prevention and intervention strategies and initiatives. In an effort to improve outcomes for youth, the City of Brantford developed the Building Safer Communities Action Plan 2024-2026 in collaboration with community partners and youth-serving organizations. To learn more, visit Brantford.ca/BSC.

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Media Contact: 

City of Brantford Communications and Community Engagement

519-759-4150 | communications@brantford.ca