Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space to be installed in Victoria Park

This summer, a new ceremonial fire space will be installed in Kitchener’s Victoria Park. The Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space will be a dedicated site for local Indigenous organizations to come together for sacred fires, ceremonies and traditional wellness practices. The space will be the first of its kind in a City of Kitchener park space.

The City has been consulting with local Indigenous groups to identify Indigenous placemaking opportunities within Victoria Park since 2020. Through that consultation, the City committed to the installation of a gathering space represented by a ceremonial fire location. The design is based on the Indigenous Thirteen Moons and Turtle teachings and was further developed with Indigenous consultants Amy Smoke and Bangishimo from the O:se Kenhionhata:tie/Willow River Center.

“Taking into account the feedback from community and the many Nations who gather on these lands, we wanted it to include a variety of teachings, as well as recognizing our continued presence in this urban space, here on the Haldimand Tract today,” said Amy Smoke, Co-Director of the Willow River Centre.

Construction of the Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space will begin this spring in the southwest corner of Victoria Park. It will open in summer 2026 and will be available for bookings by local Indigenous groups year-round.

“Honouring the original caretakers of this land and creating spaces where members of local Indigenous communities can come together and celebrate their traditions is an important part of being responsible stewards of this land,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “I’m pleased to see this project come to life in one of our city’s most beloved parks and am grateful for all who have contributed to the development and design of this meaningful space.”

For more information, please visit Kitchener.ca/VictoriaPark

For more information:   
Corporate Communications & Marketing  
City of Kitchener    
media@kitchener.ca