Waterloo Region observes fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Posted September 30, 2025 6:14 am.
Last Updated September 30, 2025 4:31 pm.
People across Waterloo Region are sharing stories, reflecting, and listening to remember those affected by residential schools on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The residential school era is the period between 1857 and 1996, when 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend church-run, government-funded schools. They were barred from speaking their languages in institutions often rife with abuse and located far away from their families and communities. An estimated 6,000 children died while attending the schools, although experts say the actual number could be much higher.
Events happening around the region began at the University of Waterloo at 7 a.m. with a Sunrise Ceremony led by Indigenous leaders, including Elder Myeengun Henry, that drew hundreds of observers.
Speaking with 570 NewsRadio, Elder Henry said the ceremony on the university grounds allows for young people to participate and learn about Indigenous culture.
“We were lucky in our day to sit with Elders…but with society really challenged by all the technology and things, it’s really hard for them to come to the ceremonies,” he said. “When I target the youth in my ceremonies, it kind of gives them that message that’s really important, and they can actually learn these things.”
“They have to pick it up; they have to learn so that they can teach the next generation: youth is so important to the continuance of our culture.”
Elder Henry spoke to the significance of ceremony in general, noting that they can serve to take one away from the fast pace of life and find balance.
“That’s really what ceremonies are: to take you from the hustle and bustle, the stress, the grieving or whatever it is that you’re going through, and then sit with the Earth and give thanks for all we have,” said Elder Henry.
“You’re a lot stronger when you do that: it’s almost like meditation (…) our ceremonies are very much like that — it gives us a chance to feel that relationship that we always have with our fellow creation, and our creator in general.”
Listen to the interview with Elder Henry
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Just before 10 a.m., the Healing of Seven Generations (H7G) in downtown Kitchener began the “Remember Me Walk,” taking the participants from 300 Frederick St. through to Victoria Park.
Pictures from the scene show a sea of Orange shirts worn by people in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, joining to show their support for the Indigenous community.
H7G, Executive Director, Donna Dubie, addressed the hundreds gathered.
“In that Truth and Reconciliation Day, it is imperative that we have conversations with those very systems that created harm for all of our people. Back then, today and in the future.” She said, adding, “In having conversations, we want to create less harm for our people. We will not be able to do that until we have conversations with those systems.”
She specified those systems include: the justice system, the police, child welfare, children’s aid, education and homelessness.
Dubie went on to say those conversations have begun.
“Today we had an opportunity to put some artwork from one of our community members on a police cruiser to show sign of the first step of reconciliation.”
Dubie also recognized that generational trauma is still affecting many in her community.
“There is many of our people who are not as far ahead on their healing journey and still feel impacted by the presence of police and police vehicles. I want to let you know that we are still with you. We still walk with you in however way that we can. But, I want to acknowledge that I hear your truth.”
Members of Waterloo Regional Police could be seen with orange epaulettes in recognition of the day’s observance.
A new ambulance and bus wrap were also unveiled during the event, designed by Kitchener based, Indigenous artist Maddie Bernard-Resmer.
The Healing of Seven Generations will also host events at Waterloo Public Square at 2 p.m. and Cambridge City Hall starting at 6 p.m.
