City invites residents to help shape Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation during National Indigenous History Month

BRANTFORD, ON: The month of June marks National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Across the community, residents are encouraged to participate in local events and learning opportunities that celebrate Indigenous voices, history and culture. To further the City of Brantford’s Indigenous relations and efforts towards reconciliation, residents are invited to an open house on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Woodland Cultural Centre, located at 184 Mohawk Street to talk, reflect and share feedback on Indigenous relations.

The open house is part of an ongoing public engagement campaign to create space for learning, dialogue and meaningful participation from Indigenous community members, local organizations and residents. In partnership with Fluid Consulting, an Indigenous owned firm rooted in Six Nations of the Grand River, and KLB Consulting, the community input gathered through the campaign will help guide the City’s future actions and strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners. Community members are encouraged to complete an online survey to provide their input at LetsTalkBrantford.ca/Reconciliation.

Indigenous History Month Events

Throughout the month of June, residents are encouraged to take part in local Indigenous-led events, including National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, cultural gatherings and family-friendly programming that highlight Indigenous traditions, knowledge and community connections in the City of Brantford.

A National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration hosted by Gihekdagye Friendship Centre in collaboration with NPAAMB, 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, will take place on Sunday, June 21 at Earl Haig Family Fun Park, located at 101 Market Street South. Enjoy free swimming and activities inside the park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and free refreshments available while supplies last from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in family-friendly Indigenous activities and visit vendor booths from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fourth Annual Strawberry Social takes place on Tuesday, June 16 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mohawk Park Lower Pavilion, located at 51 Lynwood Drive. Hosted by Brantford Native Housing in partnership with Gihekdagye Friendship Centre, the event will feature Indian tacos, strawberry juice, door prizes and community vendors. All are welcome to attend and no registration is required.

In addition to the public open house on Tuesday, June 23, community members are encouraged to visit the Woodland Cultural Centre, and former Mohawk Institute Residential School, to learn more about the history and cultures of local Indigenous peoples. Brantford’s City Hall will also be illuminated blue, red and yellow from June 4 to 8 for National Indigenous Peoples Month, and illuminated orange Sunday, June 21 in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

To learn more about the community engagement campaign, or to express your interest in participating in the project, please contact EngagementIRRF@gmail.com or visit fluidconnects.ca/irrf-brantford.

Quotes

“National Indigenous History Month is an important opportunity for all of us to listen, learn and reflect on the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The City of Brantford is committed to strengthening relationships with Indigenous partners and community members through respectful dialogue and meaningful action. I encourage residents to take part in the open house and attend local Indigenous-led events as we advance reconciliation together.” – Kevin Davis, Mayor, City of Brantford

“Woodland Cultural Centre is proud to host an Open House to support community engagement to inform Brantford's Indigenous Relations Strategy. Woodland is a space for open, respectful, and truthful dialogue between Indigenous Peoples and our wider community. Building meaningful relationships with one another is central to the work of truth and reconciliation and we hope residents and neighbours will join us in listening, learning, and participating in the conversations that speak to our shared history and future.” – Heather George, Executive Director, Woodland Cultural Centre

-30-

Media Contacts:

Kelly Page | Communications Advisor, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext. 5779 | kpage@brantford.ca

Tabitha Curley | Engagement Director and Lead Facilitator
Fluid Consulting | 519-717-3539 | tabitha@fluidconnects.cca