Every Child Matters: Local artwork takes to the streets of Waterloo Region
A new Grand River Transit (GRT) Every Child Matters bus is now travelling throughout Waterloo Region in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Commissioned by the Reconciliation Action Partnership (learn more about them below!), the bus wrap features artwork by local Indigenous artist Kevin George. The artwork also appears on four Region of Waterloo ambulances and posters across the region.
In September, the Reconciliation Action Partnership is helping Waterloo Region residents deepen their understanding of the significance of September 30 through a three-part learning series. This campaign shared stories, resources, and local perspectives that explored the history of Orange Shirt Day, the impacts of the residential school system, and the work of local Indigenous artist, Kevin George, whose artwork reflects themes of truth, grief, healing, and reclamation.
You can explore the stories and videos from that Every Child Matters campaign here.
By bringing Indigenous perspectives into shared public spaces, the campaign creates opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, local government and the wider Waterloo Region community to come together in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and hope.
Kevin is an Anishinaabe and Nehiyaw artist from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation who lives in Waterloo Region. In addition to his work at the University of Waterloo Libraries and other community involvement, he uses art to share Indigenous perspectives, spark dialogue and create spaces where people can connect with culture and community.
Residents got their first chance to see the bus artwork up close during the Remember Me Walk on September 30, organized by Healing of the Seven Generations.
The initiative reflects the 2026 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation theme, Taking Truth to Action. It encourages the community to move beyond awareness and toward deeper reflection, understanding and relationship-building.
Rooted in traditional teachings, Kevin’s artwork speaks to both the harms caused by residential schools and the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. It recognizes the grief carried across generations, as residential schools disrupted relationships with family, culture, and community. These impacts continue to be felt today.
“For generations, Indigenous People have been born into this legacy, grieving this loss. Only now are we starting to see a change,” Kevin explains. “The people are reclaiming those gifts, recovering those relationships, and creating a path for future generations.”
The artwork also reflects the ongoing work of reclamation. Through language revitalization, cultural practices, community connections and relationships with the land, Indigenous Peoples continue to carry traditions forward and build paths for future generations.
What is the Reconciliation Action Partnership?
The Reconciliation Action Partnership, or RAP, is a collaborative of municipal representatives working together to support Indigenous-centered initiatives across Waterloo Region. Its focus is on improving service delivery for Indigenous Peoples, building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, meaningfully supporting Indigenous-led work, and fostering more inclusive communities and municipal workplaces.