Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament (Hamilton Mountain), announces funding for Brantford Native Housing and Darmont GivesBack.
BRANTFORD, ON, Sept. 8, 2026 /CNW/ -- Reconciliation begins with listening to one another, respecting our differences and recognizing the experiences that shape who we are. Creating opportunities where Indigenous Peoples can come together and celebrate their stories, cultures and languages is a first step toward better understanding each other and building a more inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
Today, Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament (Hamilton Mountain), on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced $37,000 in funding for Brantford Native Housing's fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration and $15,000 for Darmont GivesBack's Intergenerational Conversations on Race, Identity & Belonging.
Held on September 26, Brantford Native Housing's fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration will promote learning, reflection and dialogue through cultural performances and teachings, reflections from Survivors and intergenerational Survivors, traditional foods, interactive activities, community resources and spaces for connection and care. The $37,000 investment is being provided through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program ($30,000) and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component of the Commemorate Canada program ($7,000).
Darmont GivesBack will host Intergenerational Conversations on Race, Identity & Belonging, a one-day event that will bring together people from diverse generations and communities to share experiences, build connections, and promote inclusion and belonging.
Quotes
"We still have a long way to go to advance reconciliation and build a future grounded in respect, understanding and stronger relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Initiatives like this put reconciliation into action by creating meaningful opportunities for Canadians to learn from Indigenous histories and experiences, hear directly from Survivors and engage in important dialogue."
--The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
"Organizations like Brantford Native Housing and Darmont GivesBack are strengthening our communities by creating opportunities for people to come together, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections. These investments will support dialogue, advance reconciliation, promote greater understanding across cultures and generations, and help foster communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and included in our communities."
--Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament (Hamilton Mountain)
"Every single life carries a unique melody, found in our ceremonies, the wisdom of our Elders, and the fierce hope of our children. True reconciliation means listening to those melodies, taking the TRC roadmap off the page, and knowing when to step back so Indigenous voices can lead the way."
--Alma Arguello, Executive Director, Brantford Native Housing
"We are deeply grateful to MP Lisa Hepfner and the Department of Canadian Heritage for recognizing the urgency and importance of fostering intergenerational dialogue on race, identity and belonging. This funding enables Darmont GivesBack to bring together youth, elders, newcomers, and long-term residents across the County of Brant in authentic conversation about the lived realities of racism and discrimination. By creating space for respectful, honest dialogue across generations and cultural differences, we are building a foundation for genuine inclusion and community action. This is exactly the kind of partnership needed to advance Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy at the community level."
--Tobi Adedayo, Executive Director, Darmont GivesBack
Quick Facts
The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program supports communities in advancing anti-racism, fostering ethnocultural diversity and inclusion, and promoting intercultural and interfaith understanding. It also helps create equitable opportunities for equity-deserving populations and community organizations to participate fully in Canadian society, while supporting dialogue, research and evidence to advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion and address racism, hate and systemic barriers.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component of the Commemorate Canada program provides funding to eligible recipients for initiatives that increase awareness and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Brantford Native Housing is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to supporting urban Indigenous peoples through safe housing and culturally grounded, trauma-informed programs and services. By honouring Indigenous traditions, values and Ways of Knowing, the organization promotes healing, well-being and community connection while advancing cultural revitalization and reconciliation.
Darmont GivesBack is a dedicated not-for-profit organization committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities through a multifaceted approach centered on education, health, equal opportunities and community giving. Their mission is to foster a more compassionate, equitable, and empowered society by addressing key societal issues and actively participating in community development.
Associated Links
Multiculturism and Anti-Racism Program
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component of the Commemorate Canada program
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Hermine Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]
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