National Indigenous Peoples Day in Brampton

BRAMPTON – June marks National Indigenous ​History Month and June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, a time to listen and learn about the diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. To help residents understand and celebrate, the City of Brampton is offering resources, activities and events to help residents learn more about the city and country’s deep Indigenous history while honouring the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.

Brampton Library is committed to presenting ongoing Indigenous programs that support the ongoing process of truth sharing and healing. In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, join Kristin Tyrer, a Cree woman from Moose Cree First Nation, in the making of medicine bags. She will walk participants through how to prepare and shape leather while teaching them about the traditional and current uses of medicine bags. Kristin will also be providing particular medicines to be placed in the bags. She will share information about how the medicines are used and open discussion about cultural appropriation.

Tuesday, June 20

6 to 8 pm

Brampton Library Cyril Clark Branch

Register here.

Thursday, June 22

12 to 8 pm

Ken Whillans Square, Brampton City Hall

Indigenous-owned Vendor Market – 12 to 8pm

Support local, Indigenous-owned artisans at this in-person market on June 21 from 12 to 8pm featuring beaded and crystal jewelry, poetry, clothing, accessories, artwork and more. View the full list of vendors at www.brampton.ca/NIPD.

‘Big Drum’ Art Installation – 12 to 8pm

Presented by the Brampton Arts Organization, attendees can also view the Big Drum Art Installation – a 10-foot big drum created by Born in the North Ltd. – which represents the heartbeat of mother earth and the nation and is a symbol of gathering in celebration and pride.

Created by Born in the North Ltd., the 10-foot Big Drum installation represents the heartbeat of mother earth and the nation, a symbol of gathering in celebration. Many Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island share the use of drums in celebration. The Big Drum art installation vision was to create this drum to display as a larger-than-life symbol of Indigenous pride and celebration. Often the sound of the drum is the first thing noticed at cultural gatherings, and Born in the North Ltd. wanted to capture the power of that feeling in this piece.

Born in the North Ltd. is a creative studio owned and operated by twin brothers Chris and Greg Mitchell. Their work is created through their own unique lens and is focused on examining the relationship between humans and nature.

Sunset Celebration – 6 to 8 pm

From 6 to 8 pm, a sunset celebration will include an artist talk by Born in the North Ltd., and live performances by the Chippewa Travellers, January Rogers and Jennifer Alicia.

The City is proud to collaborate in the planning of this event with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and The Indigenous Network as we celebrate the resiliency and cultures of Indigenous peoples in this territory.

Visit www.brampton.ca/NIPD for full event details.

Later this June, the Brampton Arts Organization will be launching a call for up to 20 emerging and mid-career Indigenous artists, creatives, or arts collectives to have their work featured on the 24’ LED screen in Garden Square for select weeks this fall from September to November 2023. Selected artists will receive an artist fee of $500 CAD.

Visit www.bramptonartsorg.ca to learn more.

On March 11, 2020, Brampton City Council passed a resolution based on a report regarding Indigenous Reconciliation, Calls to Action and Justice.

This resolution lifts the City of Brampton to accept the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Calls to Action and focuses on developing an Indigenous-led Reconciliation Action Plan, Indigenous Engagement Strategy, and hiring staff to guide the reconciliation process and provide support on engagement, community outreach and strengthening of Indigenous relations.  In addition, this resolution further accepts the United Nations Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples as the framework for the City of Brampton to work with Indigenous communities and organizations specific to #43 of the TRC Call to Action.

The City of Brampton acknowledges the tragic and ongoing discovery of the unmarked graves and burials on and near residential schools, as well as Canada’s history and relationship with Indigenous communities.

The City is committed to advancing truth and reconciliation across all divisions of the Corporation and Brampton at large. It is working closely with Indigenous partners to fulfill its commitments to Indigenous peoples through a nation-to-nation relationship as was intended through Treaty – Silver Chain – Treaty of Niagara and the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Calls to Action.

We acknowledge that we live, work on and enjoy the land that takes place on the Traditional Treaty Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and before them, the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Metis, Inuit and other global Indigenous people who now call Brampton their home.

• Indigenous Voices – Adult

• Indigenous Reads for Kids and Teens

• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIWG)

• Read Indigenous Authors

• Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

• Government of Canada – About National Indigenous History Month

“During June, we recognize National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day in Brampton and across the country. It is a time understand, honour and celebrate the rich and varied stories, achievements, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Through finding opportunities to learn and participating in local Indigenous-led activities and events, we can help move forward towards truth and reconciliation. This month and always, the City of Brampton is committed to listening to and learning from the stories of Indigenous Peoples, helping build a stronger and more inclusive city and country for everyone.”  – Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton