City of Brampton Logo

National Indigenous History Month

​​National Indigenous Peoples Day 2024

June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to learn about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. 

Learn More About ​National Indigenous Peoples Day 2024

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This​ June let's take the time to learn about the languages, traditions, heritage and experiences of Indigenous Peoples across the country. Together, we can build a renewed relationship grounded in the recognition of rights, respect, resilience, partnership and reconciliation. This month and every month, let's honour and celebrate the contributions and strength of Indigenous communities.

The City of Brampton has endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework to redress the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report and the Calls to Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final report. These will guide the City in developing and implementing a reconciliation action plan in partnership with the Host Nations and urban Indigenous community.

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples D​ay at the City of Brampton's event on June 21, 2024. Join us for performances by Indigenous artists, Spring Creek Dancers and Singers, trailblazing Mohawk singer-songwriter Semiah and Anishnaabe artist Zoon. Stop ​by and shop the Indigenous Market and support local Indigenous-owned businesses.

Learn MoreAbout Indigenous Market and support local Indigenous-owned businesses


Prominent Indigenous Chief in Brampton’s History

Image of Chief Shingwaukonse

Did you know that Chinguacousy Park in Brampton was named after Chief Shingwaukonse?

  • Shingwaukonse (also spelled Shinguacöuse, Chingwackonce, or Zhingwaakoons) meaning “Little Pine” lived between 1773-1854 and was an Anishinaabe leader who fo​ught on the side of the British during the War of 1812.
  • He became a key negotiator of Indigenous-government relations for his people alongside Anishinaabeg Ogama (leader) Nebenaigoching and envisioned a native rights and self-determination strategy for the Indigenous community leading to the creation of “Kinoomaage Gamig” (Teaching Wigwams) from 1827-1854.
  • In 1849, Shingwaukonse advocated to the government for share​d revenues and employment opportunities for Indigenous people arising from mining operations taking place on unsurrendered traditional territory.
  • When his call to action went unheard by the government, Shingwaukonse took possession of mining operations at Mica Bay off the shores of Lake Superior accompanied by Nebenaigoching, the Métis, and other First Nations.
  • As a result, Shingwaukonse was illegally arrested, taken to trial, and ordered to be released by the trial judge. Shingwaukonse's illegal arrest was a turning point and opened the door to broader negotiations between ​the government and Indigenous peoples.
  • A national leader, Shingwaukonse compelled the government to establish a settlement, the Garden River First Nation, for his community near Sault Ste Marie as a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850.

Sources: Algoma University, (2024); The Canadian Encyclopedia (2019); Algoma University Archives, (n.d).

Contact the Equity Office

Corporation of the City of Brampton,
2 Wellington Street West,
Brampton, ON, L6Y 4R2

Land Acknowledgement

The City of Brampton is located on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat Nations who have called this land home since time immemorial. We acknowledge the agreements made in Treaty 19 — the Ajetance Purchase of 1818 — and are committed to our ongoing role in reconciliation through meaningful action rooted in truth, justice, and respect. We are grateful to the original caretakers of this land who have ensured we are able to work, play, and live in Brampton now and in the future.