Celebrate Brampton’s cultural history with National Indigenous History Month events

The City is inviting residents to recognize and learn about a part of Brampton’s cultural history for National Indigenous ​History Month.

June marks National Indigenous ​History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) is 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 Canada’s Indigenous culture, the city is bringing the community together with events and workshops, as well as educating Bramptonians about the city and country’s Indigenous history while honouring the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.

Medicine Bag Workshop with Kristin Tyrer – June 20

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Brampton Library Cyril Clark Branch will host 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.

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She will share information about how the medicines are used and open discussion about cultural appropriation.

The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on June 20. To register click here.

National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 22

Come out to Ken Whillans Square and Brampton City Hall between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on June 22 for National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. The City says the decision to hold the event one day after National Indigenous Peoples Day was made based on feedback from the Indigenous community, as June 21 is a day for community celebrations.

An Indigenous-owned vendor market will have goods for sale from local, Indigenous-owned artisans featuring beaded and crystal jewellery, poetry, clothing, accessories, artwork and more. You can view the full list of vendors at www.brampton.ca/NIPD.

Guests can also take in the ‘Big Drum’ Art Installation – a 10-foot drum created by Born in the North Ltd. representing the heartbeat of mother earth and the nation and is a symbol of gathering in celebration and pride.

The event will close with a Sunset Celebration from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., including an artist talk by Born in the North Ltd., and live performances by the Chippewa Travellers, January Rogers and Jennifer Alicia.

For a full line-up of events and performers for National Indigenous ​History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day in Brampton visit www.brampton.ca/NIPD.