Brantford community gathers at National Indigenous Peoples Day event

BRANTFORD, ON – More than 670 community members gathered at Earl Haig Family Fun Park on Sunday, June 21, to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Brantford. Hosted by Gihekdagye Friendship Centre in partnership with De dwa da dehs nye Aboriginal Health Centre, Child and Family Services of Grand Erie, Brantford Public Library, the Metis Nation of Ontario, Brantford Native Housing, Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg and the City of Brantford, the event brought together community, culture and learning. The celebration highlighted the importance of connection and education, while supporting Indigenous vendors and providing space for local organizations to share their work.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come out to celebrate, connect, and learn,” says Stephanie Laforme, Apatisiwin Coordinator Gihekdagye Friendship Centre. “Providing an accessible, family-oriented space helped create meaningful opportunities for connection, relationship-building, and shared celebration of Indigenous cultures.” 

Local Indigenous organizations hosted information booths to share resources, services, and educational materials while Indigenous vendors offered authentic, handmade cultural crafts and goods. Families enjoyed a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, with children taking part in special Father’s Day-themed crafts, adding a creative and intergenerational element to the day.

“A big thank you to the organizations, vendors, volunteers, and community members who made this event possible,” says Amy Brandt, Community Initiatives Coordinator, City of Brantford. “The strong turnout speaks to our community’s commitment to building relationships, walking the path of truth and reconciliation together, and celebrating the rich cultures and traditions of First Nations.”

Throughout National Indigenous History Month, residents in Brantford have had the opportunity to participate in local events and learning opportunities that celebrate Indigenous voices, history and culture. 

To support Indigenous relations and efforts towards reconciliation, a public engagement campaign has been underway since April 2026, bringing together the City of Brantford Fluid Consulting, an Indigenous owned firm rooted in Six Nations of the Grand River, and KLB Consulting. The initiative creates opportunities for learning, dialogue and meaningful participation from Indigenous community members, local organizations and residents through open houses and direct consultations. Input gathered through the campaign will help guide the City’s actions and strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners. Community members are encouraged to complete an online survey to provide their input at LetsTalkBrantford.ca/Reconciliation.

Through supporting inclusive community programming and creating opportunities for learning and engagement, the City continues to work toward meaningful action that honours Indigenous cultures, voices, and contributions, as reflected in key municipal frameworks such as the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and One Brantford: Inclusive City Strategy.

- 30 -

Media Contact:

City of Brantford Communications Advisor, Communications and Community Engagement

519-759-4150 | communications@brantford.ca