City of Brantford, in partnership with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, announced the opening of a new Indigenous Youth Hub, created to support Indigenous youth ages 13 to 17 on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Located at Brantford Native Housing, the hub will also deliver additional outreach programming at various community partner locations throughout the city.
This new program offers a wholistic approach to supporting youth, focusing on the four fires—mind, body, spirit, and emotion. Through academic support, cultural and recreational activities, traditional teachings, and skill-building initiatives, the hub provides opportunities for growth.
“Indigenous youth in Brantford need spaces where they feel safe, supported, and connected to their culture,” said Leigh Staats, Director of Operations at Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, “With the funding from Building Safer Communities, and the support of both our community partners and the City of Brantford, we are creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop life skills, and strengthen their sense of identity.”
This program responds to key issues identified in community consultations, which highlighted gaps in culturally relevant after-school programming, academic support, and opportunities to engage Indigenous youth. The program will operate after school and on occasional weekends, offering a range of services, including:
- Academic support and mentorship
- Cultural programming, including land-based learning
- Recreational activities and life skills development
- Safety education and awareness sessions on dedicated topics such as human trafficking awareness
- Art mural projects with Indigenous artists
“The City of Brantford is proud to support initiatives that empower Indigenous youth and foster safer, more inclusive communities,” said Amy Brandt, Community Initiatives Coordinator at the City of Brantford. “This program reflects our commitment to building an inclusive community by ensuring that all young people have access to supports that help them thrive.”
