Indigenous peoples gathering space coming to Victoria Park – CityNews Kitchener

May 21, 2026

After a six-year collaboration between the Region of Waterloo and Indigenous consultants, a new ceremonial fire space will soon bring sacred Indigenous ceremonies and traditions to Kitchener’s Victoria Park.

The project is officially known as the Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space, and its construction began earlier this spring. The design of the new space is inspired by the Indigenous Thirteen Moons and Turtle teachings, and is a circular seating space surrounding a central fire pit. Fire and outdoor fire ceremonies are a crucial component of many Indigenous traditions.

The project is an honorary follow-up to the 188-day-long ‘Land Back Camp‘ project that called Victoria Park home during much of 2020. That gathering of individuals from the Indigenous community sought to connect and educate Indigenous youth on the cultural ceremonies and environment-related teachings that are core to many Indigenous cultures.

Read More: https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2026/05/21/indigenous-peoples-gathering-space-coming-to-victoria-park/