Brampton multicultural celebrations take place virtually in June

June has always been a busy multicultural month in Brampton and it won’t be any different this year. Well, except for it being online.

The City of Brampton will pay tribute to its multicultural mosaic virtually by recognizing its Italian, Portuguese and Filipino communities, in addition to observing National Indigenous Peoples Month.

Here are some highlights for the month.

Italian Heritage

Italian Heritage Month begins today, June 2, Italian National Day, with a virtual flag raising ceremony with remarks from Mayor Patrick Brown; Pat Fortini, regional councillor, wards 7 and 8; and Michael Palleschi, regional councillor, wards 2 and 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.

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Italy is one of Brampton’s Top 10 ethnic origins, with more than 25,000 residents in the city, based on the most recent census data.

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

Portuguese Heritage

Portuguese Heritage Month begins Thursday, June 10, The Day of Portugal, with a virtual flag raising ceremony with remarks from Brown; 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 more than 24,000 residents.

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

Filipino Heritage

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 Brown and Rowena Santos, regional councillor, wards 1 and 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.

“During this year’s Heritage Month celebrations, we are dedicating a Brampton park after Dr. José Protasio Rizal, one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines,” said Santos. “As the first Filipino elected in Brampton, I’m excited and incredibly proud to share this new park with our community.”

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 more than 20,000 residents.

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

National Indigenous History

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, Huron and Wendat. 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 the community.

The City commemorates 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.

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