‘Safe, supported and connected to their culture’: Indigenous Youth Hub launches in Brantford

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A new program uses a wholistic approach to supporting Indigenous youth in Brantford.  

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“They need spaces where they feel safe, supported and connected to their culture,” said Leigh Staats, director of operations at Hamilton-based Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, which has partnered with the City of Brantford to open the Indigenous Youth Hub. “We are creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop life skills and strengthen their sense of identity.” 

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Staats said Indigenous youth living in urban areas often feel disconnected from their culture due to colonialism, residential schools and other factors. 

The new hub, located at Brantford Native Housing on Colborne Street, but delivering additional outreach programming to those ages 13 to 17 at various locations throughout the city, focuses on the “four fires” — mind, body, spirit and emotion. 

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It aims to fill gaps identified in community consultations, including culturally relevant after-school programs, academic support and opportunities to engage Indigenous youth. 

Staats said the young participants will help determine the content of the programming, which includes academic support and mentorship; cultural programming; recreational activities and life skills development; safety education and awareness sessions on topics such as human trafficking; and art mural projects with Indigenous artists. 

“We have made lanyards and medicine pouches, had game nights and pizza nights,” said Staats. “We get to know their interests.” 

Statistics Canada 2021 Census data indicates there were 6,835 Indigenous people in the broader Brantford census division, which also includes Brant County. Staats doesn’t know how many Indigenous youth live in the city but believes the Stats Can numbers are low, as many Indigenous people don’t report to the government agency. 

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Amy Brandt, community initiatives coordinator with the City of Brantford, said the program “reflects our commitment to building an inclusive community by ensuring all young people have access to supports that help them thrive.” 

Staats said the 13-to-17-year age group represents a “significant milestone for development,” when young people are “looking for a place to belong.” 

“If we don’t catch them now, we can anticipate what might happen down the road. They need someone to help guide them.” 

The goal, said Staats, is to connect participants in need with other service providers. 

Funding for the program comes from Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund and will run until March. The fund aims to prevent youth ages six to 25 from becoming involved in gun and gang violence through community-based prevention and intervention strategies and initiatives. 

For details about the Indigenous Youth Hub, visit Niwasa’s Facebook page or email youthmanager@niwasa.ca 

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