Sacred Fires

The City of Brampton acknowledges and respects the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples to access Sacred Fires. In collaboration with The Indigenous Network, Meadowland Park has been officially designated as a Sacred Fire site.

Sacred Fires are lit by Indigenous people who gather for ceremonies, acknowledge their place in the world and universe and to seek guidance from their ancestors and relations along life’s journey. Fire is an important element within Indigenous culture; every Sacred Fire is lit and extinguished by an Indigenous Fire Keeper who has been provided with instruction and given the responsibility to respect a Sacred Fire and its purpose.

Reinstating Sacred Fires aligns with the City of Brampton’s commitment and response to Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action #43.

Bookings

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community members can book the Sacred Fire site by contacting The Indigenous Network at info@theindigenousnetwork.com. There is no cost to reserve the Sacred Fire site.

Please book at least two weeks in advance of the date being requested wherever possible. Some ceremony types may take priority over others, such as Grief Ceremonies (often taking place with little advance notice).

When bookings are confirmed, details about safety protocols and accessing supplies will be provided. Community members are responsible for bringing their own:

Firekeeper
Medicines
Matches/lighter

The City of Brampton recognizes and affirms the rights of Indigenous People to have access to Sacred Fires. Using this booking process will ensure the City is aware that Sacred Fires are taking place and assist the City in supporting Indigenous community members accessing this space. These designated sites supports the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and articles in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Location

The City of Brampton’s designated Sacred Fire site is located at Meadowland Park (access paths on Eldomar Avenue and Meadowland Drive).

Additional Information

Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have used Sacred Fires for wellness, healing, and gatherings. Fire is a sacred gift from the Creator, as well as a doorway of communication with the spirit world, ancestors, and creation.

If you have any questions regarding Sacred Fires, please connect with the Equity Office at equityoffice@brampton.ca

Background and FAQs

What are Sacred Fires?

Sacred Fires are lit when Indigenous people join together for ceremony or rituals toacknowledge their relationship with their environment, with their ancestors who havepassed, or to seek guidance along life’s journey.

Who is in charge of a Sacred Fire?

Depending on the purpose of the Sacred Fire, the Firekeeper or Firekeepers aresupported by the Indigenous community to ensure that protocol is met and that theFirekeepers are taken care of for the duration of the Sacred Fire. Each Firekeeper isprovided guidance by community elders and teachers. The Firekeepers take directionfrom the Elders or Knowledge Keepers who ensure that the protocols are followed.

When are Sacred Fires lit?

There are many purposes for lighting a Sacred Fire such as a Full Moon Ceremony, significant community events such as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a death in the community, or rites of passage. These can occur at any time during the calendar year.

What are protocols for a Sacred Fire?

Since Sacred Fires are considered ceremonies, there are certain protocols and expectations for everyone in attendance. Sacred Fires can be led by a single person or a group who will provide instruction. Some examples of this may include:

how to offer sacred medicines to the fire
guide the process
provide teachings about the purpose for the fire

Can anyone attend a Sacred Fire?

Typically Sacred Fires are open to anyone with a purpose for attending and are a sacred tradition of Indigenous people. It is important to follow the instruction of the conductor of the ceremony and respect the space where the fire is being held.

It may be helpful to contact the conductor or the host for information about what is needed to participate in the ceremony.

Is the Brampton Fire Department aware that Sacred Fires are taking place?

Yes, the Brampton Fire Department is working closely with the Indigenous community who will be hosting Sacred Fires at Meadowland Park. This site was selected in partnership between Brampton Fire and the Indigenous community to ensure it is safe and that it meets the cultural needs of the Indigenous community.

Does the Indigenous community have a permit to host a Sacred Fire?

Yes, all permitting and by-law considerations have been approved by the Brampton Fire Department and the City of Brampton.

Are Sacred Fires safe?

Yes, Sacred Fires are safe. Firekeepers are trained to conduct ceremonial fires safely from beginning to end. The Brampton Fire Department has worked closely with the Indigenous community to ensure all safety protocols have been addressed.

Why is this important to the Indigenous community?

Sacred Fires are one of many significant Indigenous ceremonies that were banned between 1884 and reinstated in 1951 when changes to the Indian Act recognized religious freedom as an inherent right of Indigenous people. These ceremonies are experienced by Indigenous people as healing and grounding as well as a connection of community and all of creation. Reinstating Sacred Fires aligns with the City of Brampton’s commitment to reconciliation and answers Calls to Action #13 and #20 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report.