​BRAMPTON, ON (June 1, 2021) – The City of Brampton will pay tribute to its multicultural Mosaic virtually in June by recognizing its Italian, Portuguese and Filipino communities, in addition to observing National Indigenous Peoples Month.

Italian Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month begins Wednesday, June 2, Italian National Day, with a virtual flag raising ceremony with remarks from Mayor Patrick Brown, Pat Fortini; Regional Councillor, Wards 7 & 8; and Michael Palleschi; Regional Councillor, Wards 2 & 6. There will be an introduction to the history and celebration, two traditional recipe tutorials (sweet and savoury) and a photo gallery with pictures from past events.

Italy is one of Brampton’s Top 10 Ethnic Origins, with 25,200 residents in the City, based on the most recent Census data.

To join the celebration, visit www.brampton.ca/italianheritagemonth

Portuguese Heritage Month
Portuguese Heritage Month begins Thursday, June 10, ‘The Day of Portugal’, with a virtual flag raising ceremony with remarks from Mayor Patrick Brown, with Martin Medeiros; Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4; and Paul Vicente; Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5. There will be an introduction to the history and celebration, two traditional recipe tutorials (sweet and savoury); and a photo gallery with pictures from past events.

Portugal is one of Brampton’s Top 10 Ethnic Origins, with 24,500 residents in the City, based on the most recent Census data.

To join the celebration, visit www.brampton.ca/portugueseheritagemonth

Filipino Heritage Month
Filipino Heritage Month begins Saturday, June 12, acknowledging the date the Philippines flag was first raised in 1898. There will be a virtual flag raising ceremony with remarks from Mayor Patrick Brown and Rowena Santos; Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5. Enjoy a pre-recorded performance of the national anthem of the Philippines and a video of the renaming of a park in north-east Brampton dedicated to Dr. José Protasio Rizal, one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines. There will be an introduction to the history and celebration, two traditional recipe tutorials (sweet and savoury) and a photo gallery with pictures from past events.

The Philippines is one of Brampton’s Top 10 Ethnic Origins, with 20,100 residents in the City, based on the most recent Census data.

To join the celebration, www.brampton.ca/filipinoheritagemonth

National Indigenous History Month
In June, we recognize National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, diversity and distinct contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.

The City of Brampton recognizes and acknowledges that our work takes place on the Treaty Territory of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation, and before them, the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee (hau-de-no-sau-nee), Huron and Wendat (Ou-en-dat).  We also acknowledge the many First Nations, Metis, Inuit and other global Indigenous people that now call Brampton home. We are honoured to live, work on and enjoy this land. 

This month is an opportunity to reflect on and learn about the heritage, diverse cultures, distinctive languages, and the spiritual beliefs of Indigenous peoples, as well as their exceptional contributions (past and present) that continue to enrich our community.

We commemorate those who have tragically been impacted or lost their lives through systemic injustices and mourn the loss of 215 children whose remains were discovered at the site of a residential school in Kamloops this year. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and reinforce our commitment to reconciliation.

The City of Brampton recognizes the importance and sacred nature of cultural ceremonies and celebrations. While due to COVID-19 celebrations and events are different this year, the City remains committed to celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, June 21, in a virtual capacity, allowing us to recognize their experiences, consider their unique needs, listen, and amplify their voices and stories.

National Indigenous Peoples Day online celebrations begin with a virtual flag raising ceremony, followed by an online performance by Crown Lands. There will be a land acknowledgement from Chief R. Stacey Laforme, from the Mississauga’s of the New Credit; a feast plate; a virtual Strawberry Moon Teaching, with Tracey Whiteye; and, a traditional corn soup teaching with elders Jaabaakwe and Joyce Tabobondung. For more information visit www.brampton.ca/NIPD.

June celebrations are all virtual events this year in accordance with Province of Ontario Ministry of Health and Region of Peel Public Health COVID-19 orders and guidelines.

Quotes

“This June, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of the vibrant communities of our incredibly diverse City. We support many different cultural events to build an all-inclusive framework that highlights the diversity in our City.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and the community are important for a municipality the size of Brampton. These celebrations are a great opportunity for residents to learn about other cultures and get to know the many communities that make up our City.
- Harkirat Singh, City Councillor, Wards 9 & 10; Chair, Corporate Services, City of Brampton

“During this year’s Heritage Month celebrations, we are dedicating a City of Brampton park after Dr. José Protasio Rizal, one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines. As the first Filipino elected in Brampton, I’m excited and incredibly proud to share this new park with our community.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Vice-Chair, Corporate Services, City of Brampton

“We are pleased to celebrate Heritage month and recognize that diversity and inclusion in the workplace brings new perspectives to our organization that enhances understanding our community's needs to better serve the public.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

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