Our Children Are Loved: Walking together in truth, remembrance and reconciliation
Guided by the heartbeat of the drum, shared moments of reflection and the collective footsteps of community members, Durham Region’s annual Truth and Reconciliation Walk brought people together to honour truth, remembrance and a shared responsibility to listen deeply, reflect honestly and walk alongside Indigenous communities in the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
The walk created space to remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, honour the experiences of Survivors, their families and communities, and reflect on the role each of us has in strengthening respectful and meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples.
Participants gathered for opening remarks and a smudge ceremony to begin the journey in a good way. Jocelyne Pelletier, Indigenous and Cultural Advisor at Ontario Tech University, bravely shared her family’s story, calling us each into action, to tell the truth and act in reconciliation. Her powerful words were followed by drumming by members of the Bawaajigewin Women’s Drumming Circle. Then, residents, students, community partners and staff walked together from Regional Headquarters to Fallingbrook Park where everyone reflected on “Walking Together”, written by Elder Albert Marshall and Louise Zimanyi.
Art that keeps the conversation moving
The heart of this year’s event was artwork created in partnership with artists from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN). Featured on a Durham Region Transit bus, the artwork honours Orange Shirt Day and the enduring message that Every Child Matters.
During her opening remarks, Kelsey Watt, Arts, Culture and Guardians Coordinator of Minogi Corp., MSIFN, shared reflections on behalf of Minogi and MSIFN, “Over the last several months I have had the privilege of working with three wonderful MSIFN artists, Jon Colwell, Sharifah Marsden and Luke Swinson, on the design of the bus wrap.”
"Art can create a space for people to pause to remember, reimagine and reflect. It can tell a story. It carries memory, culture and identity. And it can invite people into a relationship with something they may not yet understand.”
In their description of “Our Children Are Loved,” Jon, Sharifah and Luke share the meaning behind their powerful artwork. The image reflects their way of remembering the past. The orange colour honours the children, while the feather and sweetgrass braid symbolize healing and prayers to the Creator. The heart represents the present and the love that continues today.
The talented artists shared, “We are blessed to live in the time when the laws have changed, and we now raise our children in our homes and communities. Just as traditionally we always have. The hearts of our mothers and fathers are lifted once again. Today our communities celebrate our children; their joy and laughter bless our lives every day. This is love that we have always had for our children. Our Children Are Loved.”
A shared path to reconciliation
For many participants, the walk was a reminder that reconciliation is not a single event or moment. It is an ongoing journey that begins with listening, learning and building relationships rooted in truth and respect. While the walk may have come to an end, its message continues throughout the year.
Reflection Garden
The Region’s Reflection Garden offers a space for reflection and remembrance. Community members can also contribute a stone as part of a growing display of support and shared learning.
As part of this meaningful initiative, residents from the Region’s long-term care homes took time to learn about the significance of Truth and Reconciliation before contributing a stone to the garden's growing display. Their participation was more than an activity. It was a thoughtful way to share their own experiences, values and commitment to reconciliation.
If you’d like to learn more, visit durham.ca/reconciliation.
The bus wrap artwork, created by MSIFN artists, was made possible through funding from the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage as part of a commemorative grant supporting National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
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