National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities, and to recognize the painful and lasting impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous Peoples. It is also an opportunity to reflect on our shared responsibility to advance reconciliation and renew our commitment to the 94 Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.
On Friday, September 25 at 9:00 a.m., Warden Marcus Ryan will raise the Every Child Matters flag at the Oxford County Administration Building to serve as a visible reminder of the children who never came home and the families who continue to carry that loss.
Leading up to and beyond September 30, there are several opportunities to learn, reflect and participate:
Indigenous art in the Council Chamber
On September 23, Oxford County Council will welcome a delegation from the Woodstock Art Gallery, which will present two works by Indigenous artist Shelley Niro for display in the Council Chamber during the meeting. The presentation offers Council, staff and visitors an opportunity to reflect through art in the lead-up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Learning through Oxford County Library
Oxford County Library has curated a reading list featuring Indigenous histories, voices and experiences. The collection includes local author Cody Groat’s new book, Always a Part of the Land: The Federal Commemoration of Indigenous Histories. Explore the reading list here: https://www.ocl.net/borrow-and-learn/discover-diverse-perspectives/
Beginning in October, the Library will also offer family programming using the Moccasin Identifier Stencil Kit, a First Nations-led Treaty education initiative that uses moccasins to help people learn about Indigenous histories, Treaty relationships and the land they live on. Programs will be offered at branches across Oxford County throughout the year. Explore the program calendar here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsCalendar.cfm?SiteID=2048&_mid_=5337
Exploring Indigenous culture in Oxford County
Oxford County Tourism highlights local opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture, including places to visit, experiences and resources that support continued learning. Explore Indigenous culture in Oxford County.
Explore Indigenous history with Oxford County Archives
Oxford County Archives has updated its Indigenous Peoples of Ontario and Canada resources page, including a new section sharing the story of Percy Onabigon, a member of Long Lake #58 First Nation who was taken from his family and sent to residential school as a child. Percy later spent years in institutions far from his home community and died at the Oxford Regional Centre in 1966. His family spent decades searching for him and, after locating his grave in Woodstock, worked to bring his remains home. Percy’s story is a direct thread connecting Oxford County to the legacy of residential schools, and a reminder that truth-telling is at the heart of reconciliation. Learn more: https://archives.oxfordcounty.ca/resources-and-reference/indigenous-peoples-of-ontario-and-canada/
Office closure
In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Oxford County Administration Building and all Oxford County Library Branches will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, and will reopen Thursday, October 1. The Waste Management Facility will remain open, and Paramedic Services, Woodingford Lodge and Public Works will continue as usual.