Truth and Reconciliation Week 2025

Truth and Reconciliation Week and flag raising for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Monday marks the start of Truth and Reconciliation Week (September 22 to 26), which honours the children who never returned home, as well as the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. It precedes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30, a day to remember these tragic events, reflect on their lasting impact, and renew our commitment to the 94 Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.

Oxford County is observing the occasion through the following activities:

• Oxford County Archives is honoured to share The Long Road Back: Bringing Percy Home, a memorial display that reflects on Oxford County’s connection to the legacy of residential schools. The exhibit shares the story of Percy Onabigon, a member of Long Lake #58 First Nation who was taken to a residential school and later institutionalized far from his home. Percy lived nearly two decades without family contact before passing away in Woodstock in 1966 at the age of 27. The display is open in the main lobby of the Oxford County Administration Building until October 6.
• County Council will receive a delegation on Wednesday from the Woodstock Art Gallery, which is loaning two framed works by Indigenous Canadian artists, Morrisseau and Madahbee, in the Woodland School style. The pieces will be displayed in the Council Chamber from September 23 to 30 in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
• Warden Marcus Ryan will raise the Every Child Matters flag at the Oxford County Administration Building on September 26 at 9:00 a.m., in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
• Oxford County Library has curated reading lists for kids, teens, and adults focused on Truth and Reconciliation. Explore them here: https://www.ocl.net/borrow-and-learn/discover-diverse-perspectives/

The Oxford County Administration Building, Human Services, and Provincial Offences Administration building will be closed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and will reopen on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The Oxford County Waste Management Facility will remain open.

Please note that Oxford County services for Paramedic Services, Woodingford Lodge, and Public Works will continue on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.