City of Brantford to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2026

Brantford, ON – On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the City of Brantford will join communities across Canada to recognize and observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day was created to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis survivors, their families and communities, and to provide an important opportunity for Canadians to remember the victims of the Indian Residential School System and to reflect on the painful lasting impacts on Residential School survivors, their families and Indigenous communities.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation falls on the same day as Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a former residential school student who had her orange shirt taken away on her first day at residential school. Wearing orange on September 30 honours and remembers the experiences and loss of Indigenous children who were taken from their homes.

Local events in observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

To demonstrate our solidarity with Indigenous communities, and to promote Indigenous culture, the City of Brantford has partnered with Brant Native Housing to host the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Powwow Event on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Mohawk Park (51 Lynwood Drive) from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This free event will feature Indigenous drumming, dancing, singing, vendors and food, while supplies last.

All are welcome to join the Woodland Cultural Centre (184 Mohawk Street) for a day of reflection, learning, culture and community as we mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, September 30, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This September 30^th marks the one-year anniversary of the unveiling of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School as an Interpretive Historic Site. The Centre is offering a full day of programming that includes speeches, tours, film screenings, art activities, a vendor market and more. Registration is required. Learn more at the Woodland Cultural Centre’s website.

To learn more about National Truth and Reconciliation Day, please visit www.Brantford.ca/NDTR.

Continuing the Conversation

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford Campus, in partnership with the City of Brantford, developed a free Introduction to Indigenous Matters course. Since its launch in January 2025, over 2,000 individuals have registered for the course to learn more about Indigenous peoples, experiences, history and culture.

Developed by subject matter experts in the Department of Indigenous Studies, Law and Social Justice at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford Campus, this self-directed online course provides learners with a foundational overview of Indigenous Studies, exploring key themes such as land, language, identity and community structures. With unlimited registration, participants can complete the 6-to-8-hour course at their own pace. At the end of the course, they will receive a Certificate of Completion from Wilfrid Laurier University. To access course registration, visit bit.ly/IndigenousMatters.

The City also recently partnered with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg to announce the opening of a new Indigenous Youth Hub to support Indigenous youth ages 13 to 17. Through academic support, cultural and recreational activities, traditional teachings, and skill-building initiatives, the hub provides opportunities for growth by focusing on the four fires that include mind, body, spirit, and emotion. The program operates after school and on occasional weekends, offering a range of services. For up-to-date information and details about dates, locations and program activities, visit Niwasa’s Facebook page or email youthmanager@niwasa.ca.

City of Brantford schedule changes

For the public’s information, some City service schedule changes will be in place to observe the upcoming National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. There are no changes to the collection of regularly scheduled green bin, garbage and recycling.

City facilities and services that are open or operating on Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Brantford Transit and Brantford Lift

·       Brantford Transit will offer regular service on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

·       Brantford Lift will offer regular service on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Bell Homestead National Historic Site

The Bell Homestead National Historic Site and The Exchange Café will be open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

City of Brantford Community Centres and arenas

• Branlyn Community Centre will be open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026
• TD Civic Centre will be open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026
• Doug Snooks Eagle Place Community Centre will be open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026
• Lions Park Arena will be open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026
• T.B. Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre will be open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026
• Woodman Park Community Centre will be open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Mohawk Street Landfill

The Mohawk Street Landfill will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course and Wally’s Grill and Patio

The Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course and Learning Centre, driving range, Pro Shop and Wally’s Grill and Patio will be open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Tee off times begin at 7:30 a.m. with the last tee time at 5:15 p.m. Tee times can be booked online at www.Brantford.ca/Golf. The Pro Shop and driving range are open from 8 a.m. to dusk. Wally’s Grill and Patio is open for anyone to enjoy family-friendly fare from 10 a.m. to dusk.

Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre

The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre (including Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition and Discover Brantford Desk) will be open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026

City facilities and services that are closed Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Brantford City Hall, Customer Service and Parking Enforcement Office
Brantford City Hall at 58 Dalhousie Street will close at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, and reopen on Thursday, October 1 at 8:30 a.m. While closed, all customer service calls will be routed to the City’s after-hours customer service provider.

Brantford Public Libraries

All City of Brantford library branches will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Cemetery Services

The Brantford Cemetery Main Office will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Ontario Works Brantford-Brant Main Office

The Ontario Works Brantford-Brant main office at 225 Colborne Street will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Online Services Reminder

Many City services can be requested using one of our comprehensive online forms, that can be conveniently accessed on the City’s website at Brantford.ca/RequestService.

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Media contacts:

City of Brantford, Communications and Community Engagement
519-759-4150 | communications@brantford.ca 

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