In December 2024, City Council approved the next steps to explore the development of a City of Brantford Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Framework, beginning with a community engagement and stakeholder consultation process. This includes examining how the City can meaningfully respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. City Council also supported the inclusion of Truth and Reconciliation as a priority area within the City’s updated Community Safety and Well‑Being Plan, reflecting the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners.
“Six Nations and Brantford have been neighbours for a very, very long time; we share a rich but complex history. The creation of an Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Framework, with input from Six Nations, can support the hard work that our leadership have undertaken to work together, make progress and move forward, as best we can,” said Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill, Six Nations of the Grand River.
In recent years, Brantford City Council has taken several notable steps that reflect its commitment to truth, justice, and improved relationships with Indigenous Peoples. In May 2022, Council unanimously supported a motion calling on federal and provincial governments and the Anglican Church to release all records related to the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School to the Survivors’ Secretariat. Council also advanced a Notice of Motion on prosperity and partnership with Indigenous Nations, calling on Ontario and Canada to resume negotiations to settle the Six Nations of the Grand River’s longstanding land claims and urging the province to explore mechanisms for revenue sharing that benefit First Nations.
“The City of Brantford is committed to strengthening our relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation through meaningful, tangible action. While we are proud of the progress we have made, we know there is much more to do. This engagement process is essential in ensuring that our future actions are guided by Indigenous voices and lived experiences. We look forward to listening, learning, and collaborating to build a better shared future,” said Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford.
In addition to its ongoing advocacy efforts, beginning in 2023, the City implemented a comprehensive and mandatory Indigenous Competency Training Program for all City staff, elected officials and advisory committee members. This training provides a foundational understanding of Indigenous history, treaties, and current issues, and supports the City’s commitment to meaningful, informed, and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities.
“Reconciliation begins with relationship-building and meaningful dialogue. As the Indigenous-owned firm leading this engagement, our role is to create respectful and culturally safe spaces for honest conversation. Listening to municipal staff and Indigenous community members will help ensure their experiences help shape the City’s actions moving forward,” added Tabitha Curley, Project Director and Lead Facilitator, Fluid Consulting.
Alongside this training, the City continues to expand Indigenous‑led learning opportunities through its ongoing partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus. Together, the partners offer a free, self‑paced Introduction to Indigenous Matters online course, which provides community members with foundational knowledge about Indigenous history, culture, land, language, identity, and contemporary experiences.
Engagement Opportunities
The City is pleased to invite residents and Indigenous partners to participate in a public engagement and consultation process that will directly shape the City’s ongoing Indigenous relations and reconciliation efforts.
The engagement campaign, launched today in partnership with Fluid Consulting, an Indigenous owned firm rooted in Six Nations of the Grand River, and KLB Consulting, is designed to create space for learning, dialogue and meaningful participation. Engagement opportunities will continue through June 2026 and will include public open houses, direct outreach to First Nation communities and Indigenous organizations, and an online public survey available at LetsTalkBrantford.ca/Reconciliation.
The first public open house will take place:
Thursday, April 9, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Doug Snooks Eagle Place Community Centre
333 Erie Ave, Brantford
Additional open houses will be announced throughout 2026. Community members are encouraged to complete the online survey and follow project updates at LetsTalkBrantford.ca/Reconciliation.
