Woodstock holds Truth and Reconciliation March and Every Child Matters Flag Raisings

Participants joined the Truth and Reconciliation March along Dundas Street. (Ron Yuzark photo)

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

Woodstock’s Museum Square became a powerful place of remembrance, learning, and unity on Sept. 27 as hundreds of residents gathered for the 2nd Annual Truth and Reconciliation March, hosted by Two Row Culture and Community Centre. The event brought Indigenous and non Indigenous community members together in a shared commitment to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and continue the work of Truth and Reconciliation. The afternoon opened under the theme “Walk in Honour with Us – For the Children, For the Survivors, For the Future.” Attendees arrived wearing orange, carrying signs, and bringing their families to participate in a day centred on reflection, culture, and meaningful action. Museum Square was filled with the sound of drums, the movement of dancers, and the voices of Elders and Knowledge Keepers who guided the gathering with teachings, stories, and messages of healing.

The community also gathered in Woodstock on Sept. 25 to honour residential school Survivors, their families, and the children who never made it home. The morning started with a flag raising ceremony at the Oxford County Administration Building where an Every Child Matters flag was raised in a moment of reflection and solidarity.